The Maharashtra government has constituted a committee headed by Chandra Iyengar,  additional chief secretary (home), to  prepare a comprehensive policy for security at the iconic Gateway of India – right opposite the Taj hotel which was attacked by terrorists on Nov 26, 2008, and the  Rajiv Gandhi Bandra Worli Sea Link

The decision came during a high-level meeting held by Home Minister R.R. Patil at Mantralaya on Monday to review security of the two spots. The meeting was attended by representatives of the port trust, the Coast Guard, police and the home department.

“Depending on the report of the committee, the security arrangements will be made at the Gateway of India,” Patil said.

A highly popular tourist  attraction, the Gateway of India could be a soft spot for infiltration.

“We want to enhance our coastal security without disturbing tourism,” Patil said.

The committee  will chalk out a  regulatory plan to plug loopholes. The plan will look at traffic decongestion at the Gateway of India to avoid overcrowding, setting up rules for private ferries and luxury cruise liners by monitoring and numbering them and scanning the baggage landing to and from the sea.

Speaking on the sea link, which is among the possible terrorist targets according to intelligence inputs, Patil said, “We have made a provision of Rs.52 crore for the security of this bridge. According to the plan, the bridge will have special closed-circuit-compact cameras mounted at regular intervals and  sensors between two poles beneath the bridge to detect explosives and prevent boats from passing under it.”