Panaji, Sept 21 (ZEENEWS.COM) Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today asked the western states to prepare a futuristic security plan for the mega-cities considering the security threats from terrorist outfits.

"This will be a special plan for mega-cities, which can become target of terrorist organisations... Concerned state governments can send the plan to the union government which can chip in with certain funding for it", he told reporters here.

Patil was speaking after participating in the western zonal council meeting which was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Goa Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane and officers of Daman and Diu.

The Union Home Minister said besides special protection for mega-cities, the stress should also be laid on strengthening the coastal security.

"Funds are allocated to the state governments to put up coastal police stations and buy speed boats.... People are trained to operate on ground and sea... They would be provided with the amphibious vehicles which can work in sea and ground alike," he added.

Lanked by Union Home Minister for State Manikrao Gavit, Goa Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane and senior bureaucrats, Patil told reporters that the special cadre would be carved out to strengthen nation`s intelligence.

He also asked the state governments to allot more funds for policing in their plan and budget.

"The Indian constitution provides exclusive rights and duties to the state governments to maintain the law and order. In discharging the duty, they can seek assistance from the centre, which is given immediately," he added.

Emphasising the need for strengthening of police force, Patil said it can be done by raising new battallions, filling existing vacancies, providing them with modern weapons, transport, communication and better training.

"Private security agencies and community policing can also be involved in maintaining internal security", he said.

Patil said the meeting discussed possibility of a joint action force for the states. "The point of hot pursuit of a criminal or terrorist from one state to another was discussed. We have to develop certain system to smoothen the coordination between the states on this," he said.

Expressing concern, Patil said there were sleeping cells in different parts of states, created by the terrorists and enemies of the country. "They can remain dormant for several years and can become active any time they want. They should be located and action should be taken against them," Patil added.

He asked states not to consider expenditure incurred on security as `infructuous`. "In the five-year plans, more funds should be provided for police and security activities", he added.