Bhubaneswar: The state government has urged the Centre to provide recurring expenditure for a full-fledged coastal security system in the state.
Presenting the issues on coastal security at a review meeting held here under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary through video conferencing, state government officials requested the Union government to provide the recurring expenditure through a scheme with a view to strengthening the patrolling system. Director General of Police (DGP) RP Singh, fisheries secretary Bishnupada Sethi and navy officers attended the meeting.
As many as 15 patrolling boats are there for 18 marine police stations functioning in six coastal districts of the state, while another 40 boats will be engaged soon, said home secretary Asit Tripathy.
“It requires funds and manpower to ensure proper patrolling along the coast. So, we have requested the Centre to provide money under a scheme to meet the expenditure on a cost sharing basis,” Tripathy added.
According to sources, the manpower for all the marine police stations in the state with 103 personnel manning each station works out to 1,854 and would entail an expenditure of Rs 40 crore annually. Other expenses, including fuel, would mean an additional Rs 40 crore.
Navy officers have requested the Cabinet Secretary for opening a training centre for the coast guard, the sources said. PNN
