The Director General of Police (DGP) Kerala, Jacob Punnoose visited the coastal police station building in Thottappally on Friday.
District Superintendent of Police, K.G. James told The Hindu that the station would be made operational soon and the Government notification in this regard is awaited.
A three-storied building was already constructed for the purpose at Thottappally in the district, but no staff has been posted. Union Minister of State for Power, K.C. Venugopal had said last week that the Coastal police station at Thottappally, to ensure the safety of fishermen, will be made functional in two weeks.
He also said that the station will be functioning with the fund from the Union Home Ministry. The Station will have three surveillance boats from Union Home Ministry and personnel from the State police on deputation as a first phase. The Minister observed that the appointment of local fishermen as home guards on these surveillance boats after giving them sufficient training was ‘most appropriate'. The Home guards will be trained under retired Navy officers.
He had also mentioned that steps will be taken to acquire land for setting up coastal police station in Arthungal in the district, with the help of Centre.