Sunday, March 19 2006 13:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government has formulated a 'coastal security scheme' to protect the country's 7,516.6 km long coastline running along nine states and four Union territories against illegal cross-border activities.

Under the scheme, assistance will be given to coastal states for setting up coastal police stations which will be equipped with vehicles and vessels for mobility in coast and in close coastal waters, according to a Home ministry report.

The scheme has been approved for implementation in five years from the current year, the annual report said.

The high level empowered committee under the union Home Secretary has approved an outlay of Rs 329.52 crore for setting up of 68 coastal police stations under the scheme which will be equipped with 184 vessels, 124 jeeps and 279 motor cycles for coastal patrolling and surveillance, it said.

The coastal police stations will have a component of marine police personnel trained in maritime functions, it said adding Home ministry is meeting the non-recurring expenditure estimated at Rs 400 crore and recurring expenditure estimated at Rs 151 crore on fuel, repairs and maintenance of vessels for a period of five years.