To avoid another 26/11... State to get its first Coast Guard stations

To avoid a repeat of the 26/11 terror attacks, the Coast Guard will soon set up Maharashtra's first three stations at Murud Janjira, Ratnagiri and Dahanu.

To avoid a repeat of the 26/11 terror attacks, the Coast Guard will soon set up Maharashtra's first three stations at Murud Janjira, Ratnagiri and Dahanu.
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They'll supplement the existing 12 such stations across India six on the eastern coast and six on the western.

The Coast Guard, which has headquarters, in Mumbai, is expected to start operations in the next three months, according to SPS Basra, commander (western region) of the Coast Guard, who took charge on Wednesday.

They'll also work in close coordination with local fishermen to track errant ships.

Whatever It Takes: After last year's terror attacks, the Coast Guard upped aerial patrolling along Mumbai.

"Local fishermen will be roped in with the help of the state government to keep watch along the coastline. They will be the eyes and ears of the government in the war against terror," said Basra.
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"A similar plan has been implemented along the Tamil Nadu coast in the aftermath of 26/11 and we will emulate it."

5 boats together

A senior Coast Guard officer added, "The help of the local administration will be sought to ensure that the shore is safe.

Plans are afoot to make it mandatory for fishing boats to sail out of the harbour in a small fleet of five, since there is safety in numbers."

Basra, who has served as commander of the eastern region, will be approaching the state government for help in implementing this plan.
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A similar plan will also be presented to Director General of Police S S Virk, informed Coast Guard sources.