Palghar on alert: Patrolling beefed up along coast

MUMBAI: Coastal areas under Palghar district have been put under intensified surveillance and patrolling as part of strengthening security. The decision was taken after a recent meeting with government agencies, including police, coast guard, Maharashtra Maritime Board, state fisheries department and fishing committees.
Palghar SP Gaurav Singh said patrolling has been intensified 12 nautical miles along the coast, in addition to the patrolling carried out by coast guard and navy.Coastal police stations of Arnala, Kelwa, Satpati and Dahanu have been told to monitor coasts and four speedboats have been pressed into service. While the reason behind the enhanced patrolling has not been disclosed, the recent threat perception along the Kerala coast is believed to have led various government agencies to intensify patrolling. The Kerala coast is on high alert following reports that boats carrying IS terrorists from Sri Lanka had set off for the Lakshadweep. tnn
The fishing community has also been asked to stand vigil against unnatural activities in the coastal areas. With the annual 61-days fishing ban coming into force from Saturday, patrolling in the high sea intensifies. “Fishermen out fishing tend to keep a vigil on suspect vessels. Now with boats anchored, the vigil by the coast guard and Indian Navy goes up,” said an official.