The state government has decided to create a task force to protect the Narmada canal and dam. The force will guard the 657 km strech from Narmada dam to the Kutch canal. The special task force will have a strength of 1,000 personnel who will be given special training. The task force will be formed along the lines of the SRP (State Reserve Police).

“We have already started recruitment of personnel for the force. This battallion will take care of the canals security. They will also protect the place from any kind of vandalism and prevent people from committing suicides in the canal,” said Home Department Secretary T S Bist.

The special security force which is being formed at cost of Rs 110 crore will have its headquarters at the Narmada Colony. “The current structure of the colony is derelict. The structure will be demloished and in its place a new building would be built which will serve as the headquarters,” Bist said.

Three of the recruited officers will be sent to Hyderabad training institute where they’ll receive special training. they in turn will train the rest of the force. The officers will receive basic training of nine months and will also be given special training in Industrial security.

The entire expense will be borne by the Sardar Sarovar Nigam Limited (SSNL).

Source by The Times of India