Kollam (Kerala), Feb 9 : Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram today said that a coastal command would be constituted soon to strengthen internal security.

Inaugurating the first coastal police station in Kollam district here, Chidambaram said, "The Central Government has ambitious plans to strengthen the national security measures along its coastal lines."

The Minister further added that orders have already been issued by the government to finish the enumeration process in nine coastal states and union territories this year on a war footing.

He said that fisher folk would be given multi-purpose identity cards.

Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan chaired the function.

Kerala become the first state to establish coastal police stations in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks.

Kerala was earlier sanctioned eight coastal police stations to strengthen security in coastal areas at an outlay of Rs. 43.56 crore.

In addition to Neendakara, the other stations are at Vizhinjam, Fort Kochi, Thodapalli, Beypore, Azhikel, Bekel and Kodugallore.

For the Neendakara station, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had provided training to 50 personnel from the Kerala Police. (ANI)