PANAJI
Over a year after CM Pramod Sawant announced deploying 10 boats for coastal security, claiming the government’s commitment to protecting its coastline, the Bombay High Court at Goa revealed that only one boat is currently operational.
Expressing concern and referencing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the Bench of Justice MS Karnik and Justice Valmiki Menezes questioned the Goa police on the effectiveness of coastal police stations without functional boats.
“Police have only one high-speed interceptor boat operational. This matter is not limited to LED fishing but is much bigger considering national security,” the Bench remarked during the hearing of a PIL seeking a ban on illegal LED fishing.
The Court further cited the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, adding that Goa’s porous coastline required stringent security measures to protect against possible threats. “Goa has a porous coastline, and to effectively monitor and secure it, operational boats are essential. Each coastal police station should have at least one interceptor boat. What is the purpose of coastal police stations if they don’t have interceptor boats?” the Bench questioned. The Court was informed that requests to the Centre for more boats had been rejected.
In April last year, CM Pramod Sawant launched a Rs 5.5 crore 15-metre fast Interceptor Patrol Boat, stating that it showed the government’s serious commitment to coastal security. He had informed reporters that Goa police would now have 10 boats for coastal security as the State government had requested additional interceptor patrol boats from the Central government.
