Coastal security around the chemical belt in Bharuch especially near Dahej Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will get a boost with the district police planning to monitor the sea coast with the help of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

According to police, because of a long coastline and shortage of funds for the project, the surveillance will be done with the help of cameras owned by big industry houses, especially those into shipping business.

“We have placed the tender notices for about seven to eight CCTV cameras. We don’t have enough money to put up cameras everywhere along the long coastline. So, later this week, we will meet representatives of the industries in Dahej and other coastal areas to devise a concrete plan about positioning of these cameras along the coast,” said Bharuch District Superintendent of Police, Raghavendra Vats.

“Once the monitoring begins, we will extend it further,” said Vats.

Dahej SEZ, about 60 km from Bharuch, is feared to be a soft target as it also comprises a port.

“Several industries close to the coast have jetties and some of the new industries have cameras on their premises to overlook the coast. We will approach them for monitoring,” said Vats.

On the other hand, Bharuch town will also have CCTV cameras at important traffic points and communally sensitive areas. “Around three companies from the state have shown interest. We also have a private consultant for the project,” said Vats.