The Marine Police Stations in the district have been sanctioned specially-designed all-terrain vehicles for effective patrolling of the coastal villages.
The vehicle, a 500 cc bike, facilitates immediate and easy access as it can be swiftly operated on the slushy surface, rough terrain, and on waters. The four-tyre bike can accommodate two persons on normal routine patrolling process and, if required in case of any emergency, four persons.
One vehicle had been allotted to the CSG division in Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam. While the vehicle at Nagapattinam would be utilised for patrolling in all coastal areas except the Karaikal region, the Vedaranyam personnel would monitor the 55-km stretch on the Pushpavanam-Kodiyakarai-Annapettai area, covering nine major villages. The vehicle will be utilised for daily patrolling for four hours, two hours each in the morning and evening, according to N. Sivasankaran, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Coastal Security Group, Nagapattinam.
It will be mainly utilised for keeping a close surveillance on the landing points such as Kodiyakadu, Arcotuthurai, and Manian Theevu all linked to Naalu Kaal mandapam. “In addition to regular schedule, we will rush to the spot in case of any emergency on getting a tip-off,” he said.
The vehicle facilitates imbibing a sense of confidence among the fishermen about the coastal security.