Thaindian News

Mumbai, May 31 (IANS) Maharashtra’s coastal areas are safe and secured from any kind of external attack, top officials who conducted a review of coastal security said here Tuesday.

Home Minister R.R. Patil, opposition leader in the assembly Eknath Khadse, opposition leader in the council Pandurang Phundkar and others gave the assurance after spending the morning in the Arabian Sea to check on coastal security.

The leaders were taken aboard the Indian Coast Guard ship Samudraprahari and were given a detailed overview by Inspector General S.P.S. Basra of the security measures taken across the state’s 760 km long coastline.

The visit followed the issue of coastal security raised in the legislature some time ago by Khadse.

Patil had assured that the government would arrange to show the security steps taken along the coast.

Patil said patrolling by high-speed boats has already begun and assured that the government would fully co-operate with the security agencies.

Basra explained the various security measures, including intensive coastal patrolling, aerial surveillance, monitoring movements of vessels through sophisticated radars, the role played by the coastal police, coast guard and other agencies.

Khadse later expressed satisfaction over the steps taken by the coastal security agencies.