Third coastal police station to operate from Gorai for now

The Mumbai coastal police said they were hunting for a suitable location for the police station along Mumbai’s western coastline,but had been unsuccessful. “We had been searching for land to build a coastal police station,but could not find any. The sanctions required from the environment department was also prolonging the search,” said an officer of the coastal policing wing of the Mumbai Police. After a five-year search,the police have now cleared five rooms in the Gorai police quarters to set up a temporary coastal police station. “This police station will be operational next week or probably next month,” said Tanaji Ghadge,Deputy Commissioner of Police (Port Zone).

The Sagri police station,which was operating from the Yellowgate police station premises,had been shifted to Mahim police quarters in 2009. Police officers said in 2011,there were 759 sanctioned posts in the coastal police wing,for which only 144 recruitments were undertaken. In 2012,the number of vacant posts was 628,which are yet to be filled.

Apart from setting up new coastal police stations,the coastal police wing had imported 27 speedboats and amphibious vessels called Sealegs to increase patrolling and tighten security. However,at present,18 boats are not operational.

Ghadge added that sea pollution was the main cause for failure of engines of most of the boats and Sealegs. “The maximum pollution is within five nautical miles from the coast,which is under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Police. We repair the boats when required,” said Ghadge.

In 2009,208 posts of drivers and tandels were sanctioned,of which 142 posts were not filled. In 2010,464 posts were sanctioned,of which 386 were not filled. In 2012,the number of such vacant posts was 285.

The state home department had also given its nod for the construction of four jetties to park the patrolling boats at Madh,Bandra,Sassoon Dock and Cuffe Parade,which are yet to materialise.

megha.sood@expressindia.com