The Gujarat Government blamed the Centre for releasing inadequate funds to enhance marine security along the 1600-km-long coastal border of the State. The Gujarat Government said that certain elements are misinterpreting latest report of Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) in context of measures taken by Gujarat Government to spruce up coastal security.
The State Government had submitted a detail plan of `392.47 crore with the Government of India with a view to augment marine security along the Gujarat coast on May 30, 2005. As per the plan, as many as 51 coastal police stations and 70 outposts were to be constructed in 11 districts of the State. However, in the eight-year period, the Union Government only released Rs 58.42 crore for the purpose and as result of it only 10 costal police stations and 46 outposts can be constructed. The State Government purchased 30 boats too from the fund. In the second phase, the Central Government released Rs 11.04 crore for 12 more police stations. The cost of land and salary of personnel are being paid by the State Government.
According to the State Government, for the 30 boats the Union Government granted permission in a phased manner and as result of it nine boats were purchased in 2009, 19 in 2010 and two in 2011. For the maintenance of the boat, Goa Shipyard limited (GSl) was hired for technical services but, according to the State Government, services from GSl are poor and for the smaller reasons marine police have to wait for at least fortnight. “GSl should start its technical unit in Gujarat to solve this problem,” said a senior official.
The State Government alleged that the CAG report was published without considering submission of Coastal Security Scheme by the Gujarat Government. The scheme is not implemented in time because of the Union Government. Because of inadequate fund, the State Government couldn’t purchase interceptor boats too.
It is worth mentioning that the Government of India had sanctioned only five jetties for 1600-km-long coast in Gujarat. To identify onshore ships, marine police require transponders but the Centre is unnecessarily delaying the tendering process, blamed the State Government. The Gujarat Government has appointed Deputy Inspector General level officers for the purpose of marine security and coastal policing jurisdiction has been extended up to five nautical miles.