'Goa to seek hi-tech boats from Rajnath Singh'

Goa will request for a better funding and more hi-tech patrol boats from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who will conduct a review meeting of the coastal security preparedness of western Indian states on Sunday, an official said.

"There are a few issues on which we need a little more funding from union home ministry. This would be related to building of jetties," Goa's Director General of Police T.N. Mohan, told IANS on the sidelines of an event held to launch specialised ambulance services by the Manipal Hospital group near the state capital.

"Some things are related to vessels which are costlier than what has been catered to," he said, adding that was satisfied with Goa's readiness as far as coastal security was concerned.

Singh would be chairing a review meeting of the parliamentary consultative committee attached to the home ministry on the issue coastal security. He would also visit the Coast Guard district headquarters during his visit here.

Goa, a popular beach tourism destination with both domestic and foreign tourists, has a coastline of 101 km and has been on the terror radar ever since the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

Both, Indian Mujahideen member Yasin Bhatkal as well as Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliate David Headley have recceed Goa as a potential strike zone, especially coastal areas frequented by foreign tourists, which includes Israelis.