The state government will purchase 18 boats from Greece to patrol the sea coast. According to a senior government official, two boats will begin operations this month.

The boats are being requisitioned to enhance the state’s coastal security in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks on November 26 last year. The boats will to be re-modelled to suit Indian conditions by Central government PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders Limited.

A review meeting was held in this connection at Writers’ Building on April 1, presided by state Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen. Top officers of the state police, the Navy and the Coast Guard had also participated in the meeting.

Apart from the first six coastal police stations, the Central government has sanctioned another three such stations. Two of the first six — Hemnagar and Kishorimohanpur — the first in North 24 Parganas and the second in South 24 Parganas have already begun functioning. The Centre has also sanctioned the setting up of 14 police check-posts along the coast.

A unit, comprising personnel from the elite naval commando force Marcos and commandos from the state police is coming up near the Kolkata Port. It will take on terror attacks that might be launched through the sea route.

The state government has already sanctioned around 400 personnel to man coastal police stations, which will be equipped with the latest weapons and gadgets.

“We are making periodic reviews of the progress made on enhancing coastal security. We hope it will be stronger with the six police stations,” said the home secretary.