Even After 26/11, Mumbai Coastline Still Insecure?

Following 26/11, some people are of the opinion that the Mumbai coastline remains porous and penetrable.

Following 26/11, some people are of the opinion that the Mumbai coastline continues to remain porous and penetrable. (Photo: Reuters)

The Hindu reports that Damodar Tandel, president of the Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti, has said that the Mumbai coastline is as vulnerable as it was seven years ago.

The fact that illegal fishing boats from as far as Gujarat are being caught at Mumbai docks is proof of this.

If illegal fishing boats can come to Mumbai unchecked, what is to stop terrorists from coming the same way? If the police are unable to stop illegal fishing boats, are they going to be able to know which boat is carrying terrorists?

<b>Damodar Tandel</b>

The personnel manning Mumbai police’s patrol boats, however, refuted Mr. Tandel’s claim.

We personally go on board, check their paperwork and search the entire boat whenever we spot a suspicious boat. We have found so many illegal fishing boats while patrolling and have taken action against them as well.

<b>Police Officer</b>

Mr Tandel stays at Badhwar Park, Cuffe Parade; the same jetty from where Kasab and nine other terrorists entered Mumbai on the night of November 26, 2008. The terrorists had hijacked a fishing vehicle in deep waters and then made their way to Mumbai using an inflatable dinghy.

Following the attacks, the police installed a chowky at the jetty, along with a watch tower which is now manned by an armed constable.

An amphibious patrol vehicle is also stationed at the chowky.

Over the last two months, we have caught 15 illegal fishing boats, in addition to 12 illegal fishing boats from Gujarat, at the Sassoon Dock and handed the fishermen over to the police. However, the police only took them into custody and let them go.

<b>Damodar Tandel</b>