Even after 13 years since the deadly Mumbai terrorist attack, there is still an extreme lack of safety and security in the country’s ports : CAG

New Delhi – After the terrorist attack on Mumbai on 26^th November 2008, the Union Cabinet Committee issued some directives to protect the Indian coastline. However, there was a delay of 13 to 61 months to complete these directives. To make matters worse the necessary security facilities for some ports were not provided till June 2021. As per a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) permission to supply the facilities was given in February 2009, i.e. 13 years ago. This report has been handed over to the Central Government.

“The urgency in CCS’s sanction following the 26/11 terror attack for setting up SPB within period of 3yrs to provide sec to all coastal & offshore naval assets was diluted due to delays creating enabling setup (fast interceptor craft, manpower & infra)” https://t.co/BHBy05LIzu

— Troy Lee-Brown (@DrTLeeBrown) December 20, 2022

According to the CAG report,

1. After the attack on Mumbai, there was a delay ranging between 13 to 61 months in supplying the ‘Fast Interceptor Crafts’ (Speedboats) for the ‘Ocean Sentinel Force’, and in the ports where they were deployed, they were hardly being used. In many places it was found that there were not enough staff to operate them.

2. The Navy stocked up on more than the required amount of ‘Boost Gas Turbine’. The stock was also not checked when it was being purchased. Hence they were bought in large quantities. This resulted in an additional expenditure (waste) of Rs 213.96 crore.

Editorial viewpoint

Unfortunately, such situations happen only in India ! The only thing clear is that no action will be taken against those responsible for this situation.