In a recent meeting which discussed about the porous coastal area of the city, Mumbai police have given a list of their concerns to all the agencies responsible for coastal security. The meeting discussed about carrying of passports by sailors and issuing of biometric cards to them. It also deliberated over an exclusive channel of communication between the police and other monitoring agencies.
Apart from the police, officials from CISF, Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Mumbai Port Trust, Customs, Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), Director General (DG) Shipping and Fisheries Department were also present in the meeting. Sources said FD representatives stated that they have started issuing biometric cards to sailors. “As suggested in the meeting, the FD agreed to provide card readers to the marine police. The meeting decided to communicate to DG Shipping the suggestion of carrying of passports by sailors,” said a senior police officer, privy to the meeting.
He added that the Indian Navy has agreed to provide an exclusive channel for communication between all the security agencies.
Additional commissioner of police, south region, Krishna Prakash had assured the meeting that the police authorities will provide full support for the encroachment removal drive in the port area.
Installation of watch towers in waterfront areas was also suggested by the police. “It was pointed out that the yachts plying at the Gateway of India do not have a common entry or exit point. Hence, it is a security threat. It was decided that ferries would intimate their departure time and expected time of return to security agencies,” said the officer.
“The ICG officials said that sometimes there are more than one boat plying with the same registration number. The MMB said they don’t give the same number to more than one boat. So, it is quite possible that unregistered boats are being used. Such boats should be traced and strict action should be taken against their owners,” the officer said.
The suggestions
Carrying of passports by sailors
Issuing biometric cards to sailors
Exclusive channel of communication for police and monitoring agencies
Providing card readers to marine police
Encroachment removal in port areas
Strict rules for ferries at Gateway of India
Via: http://www.dnaindia.com/
