18 November,2009 11:16 AM IST | | Vinod Kumar Menon
Jawans deputed to guard Taj after the November 26 attacks put cots, clotheslines and erect temporary shelter inside Gateway of India
The Gateway to India has been turned into a temporary shelter by the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) personnel guarding the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower since the 26/11 attacks.
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One can see cots and clotheslines with uniforms drying on them at the site, which has been barricaded.
"Meals for most SRPF personnel come from the Taj canteen.
We are also allowed to use the hotel toilet and get to enjoy the sea breeze without any obstruction from passersby," said an SRPF jawan deployed at the site, who clarified that most personnel have to make do with food from the police mess.
"It is a privilege for us to guard the Taj. The food from the hotel only adds to our pleasure. The experience is unforgettable," said the guard.
Another guard added, "SRPF personnel Rahul Shinde was shot dead during the terror strike at Taj. I am happy for this opportunity to guard the hotel."
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Encroachment?
An official from the Archaeology and Museum Department, Maharashtra, who was shown the Gateway photograph, said, "No encroachment or any other activity is allowed inside the heritage monument.
The photograph clearly shows that they (security personnel) have made a makeshift home, which is not permissible.
"We will bring the matter to the notice of their commanding officer so appropriate action is taken."
Additional Director General Police (Training) A K Sharma, who holds the temporary charge of the SRPF, said, "We mobilised the force to Mumbai on the request from the commissioner of police, Mumbai.
Where Mumbai police decides to deploy an SRPF personnel is entirely for the commissioner's office to decide."
Sharma said he was not aware that SRPF personnel had been deployed at the Gateway of India.
Heritage conservationist Abha Narain Lamba said, "Considering what the city has gone through during the terror strike, and if the security deployment is a temporary measure for the good of the city, such issues should be overlooked.
At the same time, the Taj heritage building should be looked after well, which is only possible when the security personnel are provided better working conditions."
Commissioner of Police D Sivanandhan could not be reached for comment.
Did you know?
The Archaeology and Museum Department, state of Maharashtra has only two security guards to man the seven heritage monuments in Mumbai under the State Archaeology Department.
The list comprises Gateway of India, Banganga Tank, August Kranti Maidan, St George Fort, Sewree Fort, Bandra Fort, Worli Fort and Mahim Fort.
Even the two guards deputed for the purpose are occupied with routine office work.
SRPF Menu
From Worli policeu00a0
No breakfast or tea (They are given an allowance of Rs 30 instead)
Lunch of chapatti, dal,
one vegetable and rice. Non-vegetarian food is served twice a week
Dinner of chapatti, dal, one vegetable and rice
From Taj staff canteen
Breakfast of bread and butter, idli, upma or shira (the menu changes daily) with tea or coffee
Buffet lunch of chapatti or bread, rice, two types of vegetables and a non-vegetarian preparationu00a0
Dinner has the same number of items as lunch
