20 Ports in Raigad dubbed as "sensitive" from security point of view by Indian Navy: Devendra Fadnavis

The Indian Navy has dubbed as many as 20 ports in neighbouring Raigad district as "sensitive" from security point of view, the Maharashtra government told the Legislative Council on Wednesday. The information was given by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a written reply to a question asked by the NCP's Aniket Tatkare about coastal security and an inspection conducted by the Navy recently.

"Of the 591 ports in Maharashtra, 20 in Raigad district alone have been categorised as "sensitive" by the Indian Navy.

"The naval inspection also opined that security around these ports should be beefed up," the reply said.

The state government has already taken steps to improve the security at 91 ports, Mr Fadnavis added.

A committee headed by former union home secretary Ram Pradhan has recommended various measures to make ports and fishermen''s wharfs safer, the reply said.

"The measures include keeping a register of boat movement, issuing i-cards to workers, verification of licenses and documents of fishermen from time to time, among others," Mr Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, said.

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Meanwhile, the Indian Army is planning to raise Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) along the borders with Pakistan that will help it carry out swift strikes in case of war, sources said.

The IBG, which aims to integrate different components of the Army into the new formation, will include artillery guns, tanks, air defence and logistical elements. This is expected to make it a complete battle-ready unit.

The move comes amid efforts to bring better synergy among the Army, Navy and the Air Force. 

The Army also tested the new fighting concept of IGBs, whose role is expected to be offensive in nature. Following positive results, the Army gave green signal to form the specialised units.