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Journalism of Courage
Sea link security: Cash-strapped MSRDC looks at state govt for support
Even after it has been been identified as a possible and vulnerable target of a potential terror strike,a concrete plan to secure the Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL) remains unclear months after Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandan suggested installing specific equipment to deter any attack.
In July,Sivanandan had written to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) seeking an allocation of nearly Rs 30 crore for securing the cable-stayed bridge. The MSRDC is now planning to turn to the state government to seek the funds for the security of the sea link.
In two letters addressed to MSRDC,Sivanandan had stated that the sea link is a potential terror target and intelligence reports hinted at terrorists possibly using explosive-laden vehicles to destroy the structure. Following this,he had sought additional funds to procure mobile,gantry-based explosive scanners to be installed at both ends of the sea link.
Well have to go back to the state government for funds…either the Home Department or Public Works Department,to make the financial allocation as its (funding for security) not part of the project, said Satish Gavai,Vice Chairman and Managing Director,MSRDC.
Sivanandan said,None of the security equipment we recommended has come through yet. As far as I am aware,the matter is pending with the Public Works Department. I had also recommended that at least 2 per cent of outlay for infrastructure projects be used on security.
Apart from the scanners,the commissioner had also urgently demanded procurement of speedboats,setting up control rooms at the ends,putting up floating jetties,public address systems,etc. as part of the entire security plan for the bridge. His letter also suggested that vehicles be not allowed to stop near the cable-stayed portion.
Meanwhile,senior MSRDC officials said that with the Corporation facing an unhealthy financial condition,it would not be able to provide the funds on its own.
The MSRDC has planned to lease out the five entry points of the city and maintenance of 27 flyovers for 18 years,which is expected to fetch them Rs 2,300 crore. The state government itself owes Rs 1,850 crore to the MSRDC. It is also facing a debt of nearly Rs 4,400 crore as several of the urban local bodies are yet to pay dues.
(With inputs from Sagnik Chowdhury)
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