Mumbai coasts on high alert as India-Pakistan tensions rise

Cops patrolling Dadar Chowpatty yesterday. Pic/Ashish Raje

With tensions between India and Pakistan escalating into a near-war-like situation, coastal security in Mumbai has been significantly intensified. Authorities are now gathering detailed data on all fishing boats, sailors, and crew members venturing out to sea. Updated mobile numbers of fishermen are also being recorded to ensure effective communication in case of emergencies.

A joint meeting was recently held by the Sagari police, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and the Maharashtra Fisheries Department. Fishermen have been strictly advised to steer clear of the Gujarat maritime border near international waters and remain within designated fishing zones.

Authorities patrolling Dadar Chowpatty on Friday. Pic/Ashish Raje

"The meeting was held with the relevant authorities, and we were briefed accordingly. We are cooperating fully and have shared all necessary information," said Jayesh Bhoir, chairman of the Machchhimar Sarvodaya Society, Colaba. "While there is no ban on fishing, our community has been clearly instructed not to approach the borders or venture into international waters. Agencies have strict shoot-on-sight orders to prevent any antisocial elements from infiltrating via the sea route."

According to sources, the Indian Navy has prohibited fishing in the Offshore Defence Area (ODA). Boats found in this restricted zone may face strict enforcement measures. Fishermen have also been warned against seeking shelter or fishing near oil rigs during storms. They are urged to cooperate with fisheries department liaison officers, as maritime security is a shared responsibility.

Security was deployed at Juhu Chowpatty on Friday afternoon. PIC/DWEEP BANE

"The fishing community must support the security and administrative authorities during these sensitive times," a Mumbai police officer added. Maharashtra's coastline stretches over 720 km, with 114 km falling under Mumbai police jurisdiction. Several landing points - undisclosed for security reasons - are under constant surveillance, with CCTV cameras recently installed at key locations.

Despite ongoing efforts, coastal security remains a persistent concern in the wake of the 26/11 attacks. As a preventive step, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently held a high-level review meeting with top officials, including the Director General of Police and Mumbai Police Commissioner, in which he directed the police to hire fishing trawlers for coastal patrolling if necessary.

After the 2008 attacks, in which over 160 people were killed and more than 300 injured, Mumbai police has acquired 46 boats: 19 amphibious boats, four ‘sea legs' (that operate both underwater and near shore), and 23 speedboats. However, poor maintenance and non-functionality of several boats raised concerns in later years. In March last year, the state approved the procurement of 20 new speedboats - many of which are now operational. When mid-day contacted officials about the current number of active boats, they confirmed that an adequate fleet is patrolling the waters but refused to reveal specific figures, citing national security, especially following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.