PONDICHERRY: The Centre will implement a security plan that envisages police stations in all coastal pockets functioning in coordination with the Coast Guard and the Navy, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said on Tuesday.

A sum of Rs. 500 crores would initially be spent on the project, which would equip police stations with boats and other equipment, he told reporters at the conclusion of the 23rd Southern Zonal Council meeting here.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, in her address, suggested that the Centre meet the full cost of the exclusive battalion for coastal security for five years.

The battalion proposal was discussed on May 26 and it was indicated that the State should meet the recurring cost of manpower.

Mr. Patil said the Council discussed various economic, social, political and security issues. The participants suggested that nodal officers be appointed by the States to ensure better coordination to deal with terrorist activities in different parts of the country. It was also felt that the intelligence machinery should be strengthened.

The Home Minister laid emphasis on the need for city policing. There was need to develop a machinery to control traffic, riots and crimes in cities.

Excise duty exemption

A case was made out for excise duty exemption for commodities used in relief and rehabilitation works in the tsunami-hit areas. If such exemption was provided earlier in conditions and circumstances not different from those seen in the tsunami-hit States, there would be no difficulty in providing the requested relief, he said. The issue would be discussed with the Union Finance Minister.

Mr. Patil said the meeting was held in the "most cordial atmosphere" and several points were raised. These included steps to develop waterways, interlinking of river waters, construction of airstrips and helipads in Lakshadweep, establishment of a southern gas grid, promotion of tourism and the creation of an early warning system.

The State Governments were urged to set up Disaster Management authorities at the State and district levels.

Spiritual tourism

He welcomed the Pondicherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy's suggestion for promotion of spiritual, rural and eco-tourism. Not much investment would be needed for this.

Mr. Patil said infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir had gone down by 70 per cent. Terrorist activities had reduced by 20-40 per cent in the Northeast. But naxal activities had gone down only by four per cent.

The Andhra Pradesh Government was trying its best to persuade naxalites to give up violence.

Pat for Jayalalithaa

The Union Home Minister congratulated Ms. Jayalalithaa on the prompt tsunami relief work. This was appreciated both nationally and internationally, he said.

On the special schemes for policing in big cities, he said the State Governments could send proposals. "We can see how we can help them in providing security to big cities."

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