MALAPPURAM: The district is all set to get its first coastal Police station which will become functional from Monday at Ponnani. The station would cover the entire stretch of the 72 kilomere coastline of Malappuram district from Kappirikkadu to Vallikkunnu. The Speaker and legislator from Ponnani P. Shreeramakrishnan will inaugurate the station on Monday. A total of 28 personnel including a Circle Inspector, two sub- inspectors and three additional sub inspectors have already been posted at the station. The station would have all the equipment and interceptor speedboats to protect the shoreline. The station will also help fishermen during accidents in the sea.
The strength of the Police here will be increased in phases according to the needs. “There will be routine boat patrolling to check illegal and anti-social activities on the waters including drug transportation. The station would also supervise rescue operations during emergencies. More rescue workers will also be recruited later,” an official attached to the Ponnani station said. Besides, three more staffers including a boat driver and mechanic will be appointed soon. The officers will also be given special training to carry out inspections and dealing with accidents. The station will also work with the Kadalora Jagratha Samithi, a protection group consisting of fishermen and coastal dwellers to collect timely information on suspicious movements in the sea.
