India to review aspects of operation on coastal security

New Delhi, Dec 28 (PTI) As the Mumbai terror attacks
exposed the vulnerability of India's western sea front, the
government is all set to review various aspects of Operation
Swan, being implemented for strengthening joint coastal
patrolling off the western states of Maharashtra and Gujarat
coastline.

Indian Home Ministry sources said that during the review,
a thorough scrutiny would be done to find out the
shortcomings,if any, in Operation Swan that why it could not
be fully implemented yet and if there is any hindrance in
smooth flow of funds.

Under the scheme, which is being implemented from 2005-06
over six years period, the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and marine
wing of the state police are to enhance coastal security and
patrolling on the west coast against suspicious movement of
hostile ships and vessels.

The ten terrorists who launched a terror attack on Mumbai
on November 26 used the Gujarat and Maharashtra coastline to
arrive at the metropolis from Karachi.

The outlay of Rs 342.56 crore for non-recurring
expenditure is to be funded by the Ministry of Home Affairs
and recurring expenditure will be met by the Ministry of
Defence.

Under the scheme, assistance is being given to Coast
Guard for setting up three new Coast Guard stations at Dhanu
and Murud Janira in Maharashtra and Veraval in Gujarat.

Assistance is also being given to Coast Guard to procure
15 interceptor boast to be deployed for close coastal
patrolling of Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts. PTI ACB
SAK
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