The state home department has undertaken an INR 34 crore project to provide the coastal police with a dedicated jetty at Lakda Bunder, situated near Mazgaon docks. The new jetty aims to improve patrolling capabilities in the Arabian Sea.
The pressing need for this dedicated jetty arose after the Mumbai police received high-speed boats following the 26/11 attacks. Although these boats ensured swift responses and better surveillance, the lack of a suitable jetty at Lakda Bunder posed a significant logistical challenge.
Currently, the police have been utilising the jetty at Ferry Wharf, Gateway of India, or the Bandra-Worli sea link for their patrol operations. But the upcoming project at Lakda Bunder will not only cater to the docking of police boats but will also include essential facilities like a boat-repairing yard, workshop, and boat-parking yard. This will enable the police to carry out maintenance and repairs on their boats promptly.
The project has also faced some opposition. Environmentalists have voiced opposition to the police's request for a breakwater at the jetty. They have expressed concerns over its potential impact on the marine ecosystem.
The Maharashtra Maritime Board will oversee the execution of this project. In addition to the jetty at Lakda Bunder, the state police are also authorised to purchase Immediate Support Vessels to bolster deep-water patrol capabilities.
The Mumbai police will be allowed to patrol waters up to five nautical miles inward from the coast. This increased jurisdiction will help them better monitor and respond to any potential threats from the sea.
As part of further infrastructural development, BMC contractors will also provide an additional jetty on the western shore, primarily catering to coastal road use. This additional jetty will contribute to streamlining coastal transportation and providing the necessary support for various coastal activities.
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