Coastal security will be upgraded, remains highest priority: Devendra Fadnavis

At the internal meeting with the top officials, Fadnavis conceded that government cannot afford to further delay the CCTVs, modernisation of police stations and setting up new police stations. Also on the agenda is to have a disaster management cell at Mantralaya which often props up during emergency only.

The frequent break-down of screening machines installed for security check at entrance of all sensitive administration buildings including Mantralaya or Vidhan Bhawan also features in the security failure list. Interestingly, as the opposition leader Fadnavis for the six years had
raised the issue of CCTV almost a dozen times in the state legislative assembly. The home ministry has been asked to work out the details to facilitate the process of inviting tenders for the CCTVs.

Fadnavis said, “ The terror attack in Mumbai that lead to loss of innocent human beings reminds us of the bigger challenges head. We will strive hard to provide safety and security to people of our state. We will strengthen the police force by acquiring modern equipments as per the requirement of the police force. Whether it is security along the coastal stretch or modernisation of police force, the government will accord the highest priority.”

According to a senior officer at Mantralaya, “ The norms laid down for CCTVs had made the process cumbersome. Our mandate is to ensure rules cannot come in the way of delaying the process of getting the security projects cleared or installed.” The officer said, “In less than six months we are confident of setting up the CCTVs.”

The chief minister has also noted that several minor issues related to lack of finances to run the patrol boats along the coastal stretch or lack of police station along the coastal stretch has been worked out and remained on paper. He had urged the department to take the issues on highest priority.

Incidentally, Congress and NCP government had always claimed they have totally implemented all the recommendations of the Pradhan Committee report.But what remains unsaid was that some of the important suggestions which were accepted could be taken to its logical end. The main issues which remains a challenge for the government is acquiring the bullet proof , installation of CCTVs, effective coastal patrolling and disaster management cell.