New Delhi: As the Mumbai terror attacks exposed the vulnerability of the western sea front, the government is all set to review various aspects of Operation Swan, being implemented for strengthening joint coastal patrolling off the Maharashtra and Gujarat coastline.

Home Ministry sources said that during the review, a thorough scrutiny would be done to find out the shortcomings, if any, in Operation Swan that why it could not be fully implemented yet and if there is any hindrance in smooth flow of funds.

Under the scheme, which is being implemented from 2005-06 over six years period, the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and marine wing of the state police are to enhance coastal security and patrolling on the west coast against suspicious movement of hostile ships and vessels.

The ten terrorists who launched a terror attack on Mumbai on November 26 used the Gujarat and Maharashtra coastline to arrive at the metropolis from Karachi.

The outlay of Rs 342.56 crore for non-recurring expenditure is to be funded by the Ministry of Home Affairs and recurring expenditure will be met by the Ministry of Defence.

Under the scheme, assistance is being given to Coast Guard for setting up three new Coast Guard stations at Dhanu and Murud Janira in Maharashtra and Veraval in Gujarat.

Assistance is also being given to Coast Guard to procure 15 interceptor boast to be deployed for close coastal patrolling of Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts.
Source : PTI