India, May 11 -- The state government has chalked out a Rs.1,500-crore plan to upgrade coastal security with financial assistance from the Centre. Apart from roping in Agniveers (short-term recruits to the armed forces) and Home Guards, the home department has decided to procure more state-of-the-art boats and drones for better patrolling along the state's 720-km coastline.

The orders to enhance coastal security were given by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in a review meeting with senior home department officials and the police force on Friday. The police department apprised the chief minister of its multi-pronged plan, with a major thrust on the procurement of modern boats, including catamarans.

"More than 45 of the 58 boats deployed...