123Pune.com

PUNE: Following the recent terror attacks in Mumbai
, Pune Customs officials and staff, deployed at the coastal areas of Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and
Goa, have been asked to be more alert and keep a tight vigil on coastal activities, R Sekar, commissioner of customs, Pune, said.
He also said that 24-hour sea patrolling is already underway along the coast while the division has received sanctions for six more advanced boats for the purpose.

"As of now, Pune customs has a fleet of eight boats which patrols a 440-km coastal area, including four creeks. Six more fast-moving boats have been sanctioned by the government. However, the division is yet to receive the delivery of these boats. The new boats will be faster than the vessels currently being used," Sekar said.

Areas such as Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Goa come under the jurisdiction of Pune Customs. The division conducts joint sea patrolling activity along the coast with Coast Guards and local police administration.

"With the help of the local administration, we also conduct checking activities on coastal roads," Sekar said, "The division has 178 staff deployed at the coastal region. This includes over 100 security personnel. On-duty security personnel are well-equipped and have undergone training activities. However, in view of the emerging marine threats, the officials are asked to take extra precautions."

Saying that the coast under Pune jurisdiction, so far, has not registered any suspicious activities, Sekar added, "The sea patrolling activities are being conducted by the Navy, Coast Guards and the Customs. The Customs conduct patrolling, in association with the coastal police, upto 12 nautical miles. The Navy and the Coast Guard have a major role to play in security and patrolling. The boats with the Customs are small and cannot be use for patrolling in deep seas."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Pune/Pune_Customs_tightens_vigil_alon...