Alappuzha: One of the three interceptor boats of the district coastal police remains docked near Thottapally here for three years now.
Sources said that they badly need their service and submitted a request to the government for a replacement, but to no avail.
It was gutted in fire due to a technical glitch while patrolling at Pathiyankara jetty near Thottapally on July 9, 2016, and an expert team recommended for replacement soon after that.
Coastal police sources said that the registration and maintenance of boats are under the home ministry.
One of the rest is with the Arthunkal police.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said that intelligence wings had been formed in 18 coastal police stations to intensify surveillance. Boat patrolling would be strengthened with the cooperation of fisheries department and marine enforcement.
Coast guard vigilance panels have been formed, including the residents of coastal areas. After giving training to 200 persons, they will be appointed in coastal police stations.
The coastal areas were put on high alert after an intelligence report said 15 terrorists of so-called Islamic State had set off from Sri Lanka for the Lakshadweep islands on boats.
Joy C. Kambakkaran of All India Matsya Thozhilali Federation said the coastal security in the district remains below the mark of expectation although one more (Arthunkal) police station has reduced the jurisdictional area of Thottapally station. The coastal police station in Thottapally became functional with about 39 guards including a circle interceptor, three sub-inspectors and three additional sub-inspectors in 2014.
"However, we are still largely depended on Marine enforcement and Fisheries department for help. The incapability of personal and lack of facilities have taken a toll on coastal security," he said.
According to coast police sources, they can do nothing if the sea turns rough. Even if there is favourable weather condition, it’s so scary to operate with the ill-maintained boat.
Alappuzha coast has a history of unnatural incidents, including fatal boat-ship collisions and washing ashore of unknown wreckages.
