73 coastal police stations to be set up for enhancing security: Govt.

New Delhi, Feb 22 (ANI): The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday informed that under the Coastal Security Scheme, a total of 73 coastal police stations are to be set up, equipped with 204 boats, 153 jeeps and 312 motorcycles for mobility on the coast and in close coastal waters.

Minister of State for Home Affairs M. Ramachandran in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today said: "The ongoing Coastal Security Scheme, aimed at enhancing coastal vigilance by strengthening infrastructure for patrolling and surveillance of the coastal areas, is being implemented in the 9 coastal States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal and four Union Territories of Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar Islands."

" The Scheme has been extended till March 2011, with an additional non-recurring outlay of Rs. 95 crore (approx), by the Government in June, 2010. Under the Coastal Security Scheme, total 73 coastal Police Stations are to be set up, equipped with 204 boats, 153 jeeps and 312 motorcycles for mobility on the coast and in close coastal waters. A lump sum assistance of Rs. 10 lakh per coastal police station is also provided for equipment, computers and furniture etc. Out of these 73 Coastal Police Stations, 71 Coastal Police Stations have been made operational," he added.

Ramachandran further said: "Coastal Security Scheme (Phase-II) formulated to strengthen the coastal security of the country in consultation with Coast Guard and concerned coastal States and Union Territories, has been approved by the Government for implementation in all the nine coastal States and four Union Territories for a period of 5 years from 1st April, 2011.

"Total 131 Coastal Police Stations have been approved in the Coastal Security Scheme (Phase-II), to be equipped with 180 boats, 131 four-wheelers and 242 motor cycles. A Lump Sum assistance of Rs. 15 lakh per Coastal Police Stations (CPS) will be provided for equipments, Computer and furniture etc," he added. (ANI)