Coast Guard to induct 200 vessels for patrolling

Chennai, Sept 18: The Indian Coast Guard (CG) will induct about 200 vessels in a phased manner under a 15 year perspective vision programme 2002-2017, Director General Vice Admiral R F Contractor said today.

Addressing a press conference on his maiden visit to the city, he said induction of more vessels would help CG to intensify patrolling and increase volume of exclusive economic zone in both the eastern and western territorial waters of the country.

''With 44 ships and seven aircraft, which are doing round the clock sorties, we are able to cover only 40 per cent of Exclusive Economic Zone Area. The patrolling will be further enhanced in a phased manner after induction of state-of-the-art aircrafts and interceptors ships and boats'', Vice Admiral contractor said.

On the entry of a high number of Tamil refugees into Tamil Nadu, Mr Rajendra Singh, Commander, East Coast Guard Region, admitted that the influx was very high this year when compared to the last ten years.

''So far 34,696 refugees had arrived from the island nation and this year alone 13,666 have arrived due to the escalating tension in Sri Lanka'', he said.

Expressing concern over the incidents of Tamil Nadu fishermen being shot by Sri Lankan Navy, he said this was due to the Indian fishermen. Crossing the International Maritime boundary.

''This happens due to lack of identity among the Indian fishermen.

At present only 1,65,353 mechanised boats, including 15,000 along the south Tamil Nadu coast, are registered. There are several thousands of unregistered boats in the region'', he said and added that the issue would be raised in the ensuing high-level meeting between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guards.

UNI

In-focus: Sri Lanka Crisis