The Hindu Business Line : Tighten security at private ports: Shipping Board chief

Visakhapatnam, Dec. 5 The terrorist attacks in Mumbai have exposed the vulnerability of Indian coasts and the east coast is as susceptible as the west and, therefore, suitable steps have to be taken up immediately, according to Capt. P.V.K Mohan, Chairman of the National Shipping Board and Managing Director of Seaways Shipping.

He said in an interview that one specific area of concern was the large number of private ports coming up in States such as Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, and security at these ports should be tightened.

He said that many of the ports, such as Gangavaram, were being set up in public-private partnership and, therefore, the States should have greater say in matters relating to security.

It was also necessary, he felt, for coastal States to constitute maritime boards immediately, to take care of a number of issues relating to non-major and private ports, especially security.

“Only Gujarat and Maharashtra have maritime boards and Andhra Pradesh is in the process of constituting one. I hope the Andhra Pradesh Government will expedite it and other States will also follow suit,” he said.

Capt. Mohan, who participated in a high-power committee meeting in New Delhi presided over Mr T.R Baalu, Union Shipping Minister, after the terrorist attacks, said that the need was felt by many for closed-circuit TV sets and bomb disposal squads at ports (private or public).

Speed boats should also be kept ready at all ports for security purposes. It was also recommended to the Indian Space Research Organisation to use satellite imagery and other technologies to develop devices for tracking the movement of ships and boats for surveillance.

shipping harbour

Referring in particular to Visakhapatnam shipping harbour, he said that a proposal was pending for a long time to shift it to another place, with all facilities and proper security.

He felt it should no longer be delayed after the Mumbai incidents.

He also felt it was necessary to sensitise fishermen to the security risks and make them more alert on the seas.

“It requires the combined and coordinated efforts of all sections of people and Government agencies to meet the challenge of terrorism,” he added.

More Stories on : Shipping/Ports | Terrorism | Security | Andhra Pradesh

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