18 marine police stations to be operational in State in 2 yrs

Bhubaneswar: The State government has set a target to make 18 marine police stations operational in next two years.

The decision was taken at a review meeting on coastal security chaired by chief secretary AP Padhi.

In the first phase, five marine police stations have been established at Paradip, Balaramgadi, Dhamra, Jamboo and Arjipalli.

Padhi stated 13 Marine Police Stations will be established at Kasafala, Talasari, Chudamani, Kasia, Talachua, Tantiapal, Bandar, Jatadharimuhan, Penthakata, Astaranga, Ramchandi Arakhakuda and Sonapur in the second phase.

The Centre has already sanctioned 18 marine police stations in two phases.

The marine police station will keep a tab on the illegal activities like arms smuggling, contraband articles, infiltration, unauthorised fishing, entry of anti-nationals through sea route and to guard all vital installations along the Odisha coast.

The Union government had provided 15 interceptor boats, central assistance for creation of infrastructure, purchase of equipment, vehicles and motorcycles for the five marine police stations.

Of the 15 boats provided for the five marine police stations, only 13 boats were functioning and interceptor boats for 13 Marine Police stations had not yet reached the state, Padhi said.

This apart, the Centre has sanctioned five jetties to be constructed on Odisha coast for berthing of Marine boats but the state has not received funds for the purpose and any assistance for fuel for marine patrolling in the five Marine Police stations, informed Padhi.