New Delhi: Government today said that the
second phase of the Coastal Security Scheme aims at enhancing
vigilance by strengthening infrastructure for patrolling and
surveillance will be implemented soon.
"The exercise has been completed to finalise the
Coastal Security Scheme (Phase-II) in consultation with Coast
Guard and concerned coastal states and UTs. After obtaining
final approval of the competent authority, the implementation
of the scheme will be carried out," Minister of State for
Home Mullappally Ramachandran said in written reply to a
question in the Lok Sabha.
Under the scheme, the Indian Navy has been designated
as the authority responsible for overall maritime security
which includes coastal security and offshore security.
The Indian Coast Guard is additionally designated as
the authority responsible for coastal security in territorial
waters including areas to be patrolled by Coastal Police.
The Minister said the Director General Coast Guard has
been designated as Commander Coastal Command responsible for
overall coordination between central and state agencies in all
matters relating to coastal security.
It would also be compulsory to register all types of
vessels like fishing as well as non-fishing vessels and to
have provision of navigational and communication equipments in
all type of vessels.
Besides issuance of Bio-metric ID cards to all the
fishermen, Multi-purpose National Identity Cards (MNICs) will
also be given to all the people in the coastal villages
including fishermen.
The minister said the 'National Committee on
Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security against threats
from the sea' has been formed and that periodic meetings for
regular monitoring are being undertaken by the Committee.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, August 03, 2010, 21:40