Every VVIP visit costs us Rs 20 lakh

The government spends it to beef up coastal security and thwart terror attacks from the sea

The government spends it to beef up coastal security and thwart terror attacks from the sea

Every VVIP that comes to the city brings the probability of a terror attack, and after 26/11, the government is not taking any chances.

More than Rs 20 lakh is spent to beef up coastal security and prevent another seaborne attack during every visit by important ministers and other dignitaries.

On an average, four VVIPs visit the city every month and cops have become extra cautious after reports that LeT commander and key suspect in the Mumbai attacks Muzamil is likely to coordinate operations in the country.

Heavy Duty: President Pratibha Patil's convoy when she visited Mumbai last year. VVIPs Hillary Clinton and Sonia Gandhi have visited the city in the last two months.

Documents available with MiD DAY indicate that an LeT militant threat looms over the city and records also highlight threats from depleted LTTE groups.

Ships and helicopters from the Navy and Coast Guard are deployed on a 48-hour lookout for suspicious ships. Even police stations along coastal zones are on put high alert.

The cost

A foray conducted by a Chetak helicopter can cost the government around Rs 50,000, according to sources. Warships cruising around 500 nautical miles during security patrols costs around Rs 2 lakh.

By conservative estimates, at least six helicopters and ships are deployed on such duties. The coastal police too, spend a huge amount on fuel and other expenditures while patrolling the shallow waters.

When asked about the expenditure on VVIP security, Naval spokesperson Captain Manoharan Nambiar refused to give details . "I am not aware of the calculations," he said.

4
VVIPs visit Mumbai every month