Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 23: The Kerala government has decided to constitute a marine police force for effective patrolling and rescue operation at sea, state tourism and fisheries minister K V Thomas said here today.
The proposed force would be equipped with latest communicaton equipment and would have all the powers of usual police force, Thomas told reporters here.
It would be a separate entity with fresh recruits and officials deputed from police force. "Persons from traditional fishermen community well-versed in sea activities would be given preference while making recruitment," he said.

The first coast guard unit in the state would be commissioned at Vizhinjam on December 22. The state government had allotted five acres of land to coast guard for the purpose, the minister said.

The unit would be very helpful to the state particularly from the point of view of security and rescue at the time of distress, he said.



Referring to the Centre's directive for a total fishing ban during monsoon season, Thomas said Kerala government had not taken a final decision on the matter. Present directive was for a 65-day ban.



"Government has no idea to impose total fish ban in the state. But it is of the view that the ban is necessary to avoid exploitation of marine wealth", he said adding the government had constituted a committee to study the whole aspect.



With regard to the 10 Keralite fishermen missing near Orissa coast early this month, Thomas said a search inside the vessel now tugged at Puri port had found nothing. Search was on for them, he added.


Bureau Report