For Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who played an active role in highlighting the lacunae in the security measures when he was in the Opposition, addressing those very issues— which come in the way of countering terrorism effectively -- is now his top priority.
Within a few days of taking charge as the chief minister, Fadnavis has conducted two meetings -- one with the top brass of all security forces, including the police, and the other with the senior police officers.
Looking at the issues that need the state’s attention, especially in view of incidents such as the terror attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008, Fadnavis has expedited a five-year-old proposal of getting 5,000 closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) for the city.
On Monday, a sub-committee was asked to negotiate with a provider and operator, which has quoted an expenditure of Rs1,100 crore, implement the project. The proposal was tabled immediately after the attacks, the tendering process, too, was conducted thrice, but the project did not take off even after the blasts in Mumbai in July 2011.
“I have reviewed the security measures and asked for a plan to bolster the preparedness. I am still in the process of getting the details, but I can assure that my government’s top priority will be to prevent and tackle any terror attack,” said Fadnavis, on the eve of the 26/11 anniversary.
{{/usCountry}}“I have reviewed the security measures and asked for a plan to bolster the preparedness. I am still in the process of getting the details, but I can assure that my government’s top priority will be to prevent and tackle any terror attack,” said Fadnavis, on the eve of the 26/11 anniversary.
{{/usCountry}}Fadnavis said red-tapism will not delay any security-related matters. “We will expedite the process in a transparent manner. Getting the required funds will not be an issue.”
Fadnavis is expected to seek assistance from the Centre whenever required. His focus is on ensuring better coordination between the Central and state security/intelligence agencies, enhancing the coastal security and modernising the police force by providing sophisticated arms/weapons and bullet-proof jackets.