shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Article > Satellite city a sitting duck for 2611 like terror attacks

Satellite city a sitting duck for 26/11-like terror attacks?

Updated on: 26 November,2011 06:56 AM IST  | 
Saurabh Katkurwar |

In the aftermath of the 26/11 savagery, the state government had announced a slew of measures to boost security in the coastal areas, but it seems to have done little on the ground.

Satellite city a sitting duck for 26/11-like terror attacks?

In the aftermath of the 26/11 savagery, the state government had announced a slew of measures to boost security in the coastal areas, but it seems to have done little on the ground. As the nation observes the third anniversary of the Mumbai attacks, its satellite city Navi Mumbai, which is equally vulnerable to such attacks, looks like a sitting duck for such eventualities.

For the government has not provided enough equipment to the costal police in Navi Mumbai. Take the case of the Mora police station. Set up in 2007 to ensure safety of big companies such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Oil and National Gas Corporation (ONGC) situated along the coast, the police station has not been provided with enough manpower, speedboats and other necessary equipment yet to carry out patrolling.


Unsafe: Mora police station in Navi Mumbai still lacks enough manpower
and equipment to carry out patrolling in coastal areas

The Navi Mumbai police have received seven speedboats to strengthen security in western coast of the satellite city, but they do not have adequate manpower to operate these equipment. All these boats are operated by the Central Costal Police. But the Mora police station, considered to be prone to terror attacks from the sea route, does not have a single boat.

Arvind Patil, senior police inspector of Mora police station, said, "As our police station does not have speedboats, we request the Central Costal Police to provide us boats for patrolling." Also, Mora police station does not have adequate manpower to carry out civil operations as posts of five sub inspectors are lying vacant for the past few years.

"I wonder why the Mora police station, which is a coastal police station, has been given only 5 sq/km coastal area under its jurisdiction along with Elephanta caves," said a police official requesting anonymity.

Umesh Chandra Sarangi, the additional chief secretary (home), said, "Recruitment of technical manpower is under process, which is likely to be finished in another four months. However, we have hired some operators on contract basis so that the patrolling can be continued unhindered. Also, we are likely to start construction of new building for the Mora coastal police in a few months."

Denying that the Mora police station lacks equipment required for patrolling, he said, "As per our information, the police station has all necessary equipment to carry out proper patrolling."




"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK