Karwar: After deadly the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, the Karnataka government stepped up security all along its 320 km cost by empowering Costal Security Police.

In that way, a costal security police (CSP) was set up in Karwar as the district has sensitive installations such as a naval base and a nuclear power station. The CSP has its own boats and looks after the security aspects, including sea infiltration and activities of fishermen, up to five nautical miles (10 km) from the shore. It even rushes to the rescue fishermen whenever they land in trouble. But, the jetty used for all these activities is in a sorry state.

Apart from logistical support, the CSP need technical staff and adequate personnel near the jetty at Karwar port to handle any emergency situation. There is need for a shelter for the staff deployed, so that the CSP could use their service round-the-clock. Even eight years after its establishment, the jetty still lacks facilities. There is no proper shelter for the staff. They themselves erected a make-shift shelter, which has no wall, door, toilets and other basic facilities. Sheets are tied to the iron poles and nobody has any idea when it will be blown away by strong winds.

A station of the CSP was set up near the Science Centre in the city a few years ago. But, the jetty is on the port premises. A CSP personnel said despite having inadequate facilities, their patrolling in the sea is going on without any interruption. “If we get any emergency alert related to fishermen, we rush to their rescue in no time. But, we do not have a proper shelter. We are spending day and night without minimum facility. We don’t even have a toilet,” he added. In the absence of power connection, the CSP personnel are forced to depend on the light from a lantern. They clean the lantern every evening.

CSP Deputy Superintendent of Police T R Jayashankar told reporters: “A few years ago, a well equipped police station was built on Karwar beach. Now, the state government has sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for construction of an office near the jetty. In that office, all basic amenities, including a compound around the CSP post, will be provided to dump the equipment.”