Maharashtra government has set up a high powered
committee to address issues concerning Maritime security of non major ports in
the states in the wake of reports of large scale smuggling of narcotics from
Afghanistan through Gulf countries.
The ten-member
committee, headed by the additional chief
secretary (ports), will be reviewing the roles & responsibilities of
various agencies in order to curb the threats of /contraband smuggling
and human trafficking and will identify new surveillance technology &
marine assets for augmenting current efforts for strengthening coastal security
and take necessary measures for recruitment and training of /security
professionals in police & fisheries departments.
The objective of the committee is to review the timely
implementation of various proposals and schemes of both the central and state
governments pertaining to coastal security, to ensure effective coordination
among various central and state agencies, to review the role &
responsibilities of various agencies in tackling threats of
/contraband smuggling and human trafficking.
“The other
objectives of the committee include identify grey areas requiring specific
attention by central and state agencies, to workout methodology for optimal
utilization of available resources for achieving complete surveillance, to
identify new surveillance technology & marine assets for augmenting current
efforts for strengthening coastal security and to take necessary measures for
recruitment and training of /security professionals in police &
fisheries departments,” added officials.
