Maharashtra News: Palghar Intensifies Coastal Security Measures Following Pahalgam Terrorist Attack

Palghar, Maharashtra: In the wake of the recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, coastal security measures in Palghar district have been significantly intensified. Police have increased deployment and patrolling in all coastal police station jurisdictions, with security agencies remaining on high alert.

District Superintendent of Police Balasaheb Patil has ordered these precautionary steps to ensure the safety of the district’s coastal belt. Additional forces have been stationed, and coastal patrolling has been stepped up.

Currently, Palghar’s maritime unit operates with four patrol boats, but only one is functional and is being used for regular coastal patrols. Repairs for one of the faulty boats are underway after local contractors were assigned a work order. Meanwhile, modernization and repairs of the remaining two boats have been initiated following a government funding decision on March 25.

Previously, Palghar Police had hired four private patrol boats, two stationed at Dahanu and one each at Satpati and Virar, under a 100-day contract which ended on March 20. Although a proposal to hire boats for the full fishing season (August 1 to May 31, approximately 245 days) was submitted at the higher administrative level, final approval is still pending.

Various agencies, including the Indian Coast Guard, the Fisheries Department, the Maharashtra Maritime Board, Customs, and the Police Department are conducting joint coastal patrols in Palghar district. Coastal security volunteers have also been alerted and are participating in these enhanced security measures.

Close surveillance is being maintained along the district's coastline, with the use of drones and surveillance cameras. Security personnel have been deployed at key locations such as landing points, coastal posts, and other strategic areas within Palghar's coastal region. Regular drone surveillance and patrolling along creeks and the coastal stretch are being carried out by local police stations to ensure comprehensive monitoring. All security agencies have been instructed by the Superintendent's office to remain vigilant.

Moreover, close communication is maintained with the Sagar Rakshak Dal (Coastal Guard), security guards, local fishermen, and fishermen's cooperative societies. Authorities have urged that any suspicious activity observed at sea be immediately reported to the police control room or the nearest police station.