While accepting problems in the coastal security, Mumbai police commissioner Satyapal 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, 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 2010-2012 for deficiency in maintenance.
The 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 by way of holding periodic review meetings and security drills.
However, only a temporary Sagari police station is functional in Mahim.
Mr Singh also said that the government has approved a plan of recruiting 60,000 more men for the state police but clarified that the number of men to be diverted to the city is yet not decided.
Responding to a question of ageing weaponry used by the police, Mr Singh said that the .303 rifles, the mainstay of the police, are being phased out in a in a systematic manner.