New Delhi, June 04: Gujarat government today sought Central assistance in strengthening security along its border with Pakistan as also to help meet the grave financial fallout of the devastating quake two years ago. "I discussed issues relating to strengthening of security along the international border .... And have urged the Centre to assist us in meeting the serious financial situation faced by the state following the devastating earthquake, not seen in hundred years," Chief Minister Narendra Modi said after a 30-minute meeting with Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani here.

Modi said he urged the Centre to expedite completion of border fencing in the remaining areas as also to expand the four-km exclusive zone on the international border.

Regarding use of the coastal areas by smugglers and terrorists, he said he sought a heightened role of coast guards, increase in patrolling and deployment of more speedboats for the purpose.

He said Advani assured him that the demands would be considered.

Modi said he also wanted Centre's clearance to allow the state government to import palmoline oil to meet its demand.

Earlier, he told a news agency that the state government would soon take steps to take drinking water to the remote border areas and a plan to lay a 280 km pipeline for the purpose was in an advanced stage of clearance.

He said this pipeline would not only help the population in desert areas, but also ensure supply of potable water to security forces on the border who now have to get water transported on 700 camels from faraway Bhuj.

Bureau Report