4 years after 26/11, Mumbai still unsafe

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As Mumbai marks the fourth anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks on Monday, days after the hanging of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the sole surviving terrorist who struck the city, the government has failed to deliver on the critical issue of coastal security, leaving the city as vulnerable as it was four years ago to an attack from the sea.

Mumbai police commissioner Satyapal Singh admitted on Sunday there are still unresolved "issues" relating to the ambitious coastal security plan, saying the police top brass was still trying to address problems regarding men, machinery and logistics of the coastal security setup.

The loopholes in coastal security of the nation's financial capital were exposed in the mock drill conducted by the police in October, in which “terrorists” managed to breach coastal security in three places and enter the city. The policemen who posed as “terrorists” managed to reach the Gateway of India without being intercepted, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, a vital installation, as well as Marine Drive.

“There are also a few problems with recently-acquired patrol boats, which include maintenance and technical issues.,” said Singh.

While accepting problems in the coastal security, Mr Singh also expressed confidence that the police is fully prepared to face any eventuality. However, the ground realities are different. The four amphibious ‘Sea-Legs’ patrol boats were purchased by the Mumbai police in 2009 have seen regular breakdowns owing to maintenance issues.

Two of the boats were out of action for several months between 2010 to 2012 for deficiency in maintenance. The much-touted coastal security plan included setting up of coastal police stations, buying boats to patrol the coastline and a renewed effort of coordinating with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. However, so only a temporary Sagari police station is functional.