Coastal security inactive in Alappuzha despite threats

The coastal police station, which became functional with about 39 guards, including a circle interceptor, three sub-inspectors and three additional sub-inspectors a few years ago, is incapable of handling critical situations. The fishing community says that the authorities are dependent on the Navy.

Mr Joy C. Kambakkaran, state vice-president of fishermen’s union, said that unfit constables were working at the coastal police station.

“The fisherfolk here had great hopes on the station, but it is incapable of protecting the fishermen as the guards do not even know swimming and are scared of venturing into off- sea. Three interceptor boats, equipped with the latest radars and other equipment worth a total of over Rs.6 crore, remained idle. They are occasionally being used for patrolling only in the nearby lake not in the sea,” he said and demanded manning the station with a strong staff pattern. He also alleged that the police had not been conducting periodic mock drill and a night-long search.

Some unidentified boats had arrived in Alappuzha in the past. In April 8, 2013 at least 24 fishermen miraculously escaped as a fibre boat capsized mid-sea off Ambalappuzha coast. But, the fishermen alleged that coastal police could not do any rescue operation. They were rescued by fellow fishermen present at the spot.

On March 1, 2013, four fishermen were killed as a cargo ship rammed into a fishing boat. In March 2009, the presence of an unidentified group was noticed on the Pallipuram coast.

The coastal police admitted that the interceptors which are being used here are incapable of handling the situation. Two interceptor boats are currently under maintenance.

“The station needs fully equipped guards. If a serious situation arises, the police men deployed here will only be spectators,” the official says.