26/11 fallout : Anti-aircraft guns will soon guard the coast

For the first time since the Kargil war a decade ago, the Indian Navy is going to install advanced anti-aircraft guns (L-70) and radars along Mumbai's coastline. The first of these guns would be set up on a Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) land at Ballard Pier. Sources in the MbPT confirmed that they have received a request letter from Navy seeking permission to create a base for L-70 guns along with advanced radars and generators. The guns—which have a high rate of fire to pump hundreds of shells within seconds—will be manned by 20 commandos, the letter to MbPT reads. Officials from MbPT and Navy refused to confirm that the guns were being deployed keeping in mind the threat of an air strike on vital installations across the city. They said the guns were being installed as part of heightened security measures being undertaken by defence organisations after the 26/11 attacks. “This is not the first time anti-aircraft guns are being deployed in Mumbai. In the past, we have set up 40mm anti-aircraft guns at our coast batteries, but L-70 is an advanced version which can fire shells quickly. The shells then form a barrage and destroy the target,’’ said Captain M Nambiar, chief public relations officer, ministry of defence. MbPT officials said their land at Ballard Pier is strategically located and gives an unhindered view of Mumbai’s shoreline. “From the defence point of view, this is our best piece of land. We will also keep the area free of equipment and containers so that the guns get a clear view,’’ said a senior port official. In December last year, Air chief Fali Homi Major had warned that terrorists are likely to carry out 9/11-type aerial attack on targets in India.