KARWAR: After the Mumbai carnage, the threat perception in other parts of the country, including Karwar has only increased. Uttara Kannada district is home to the Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant, the Naval Base and the Kali hydel project.
Such being the importance of the region, it is only pertinent that the question whether our security agencies can secure them arises. The quantum of their preparedness also comes under question.
But an analysis of the security situation presents a dismal picture.
For instance, the coastal security police force (CSPF) with its headquarters in Udupi has three stations at Karwar, Kumta and Bhatkal in the district. Each station is expected to have 60 staff on its rolls, including eight police officers of the sub-inspector rank. Presently, there are only ten police personnel of constable cadre in each of these three stations. While Karwar and Bhatkal stations have one sub inspector each, Kumta station does not have an officer at all. The sub inspector of the Karwar station mans the Kumta station as well.
Secondly, these stations are not provided with sophisticated instruments including life jackets, binoculars, camera and sophisticated weapons to match those of terrorists. The personnel of the coastal security force are derived from the civil police cadre itself.
Moreover, they have been permitted to hire private boats for patrolling the sea. They will be allowed to operate in co-ordination with the customs department, beginning December 1.
But what is essential is intensive training to personnel to operate in the sea, said an officer. Many suggest separate recruitment of personnel for the force, instead of deputing them from the police department. The staff situation in police department is also not much encouraging.
At present the Coast Guard does not have its unit in the district for keeping maritime vigil on its 169 km-long coast. However, it is proposed to establish a unit shortly at Arga near the Karwar Naval base, sources said.
Commodore C.J.Silar Khan, the officer- in-charge of Karwar Naval base has said that an army battalion will be posted permanently in Karwar and it will work in coordination with the Navy.