'Threat to offshore installations from terrorists'

New Delhi, Jan 31: Admitting to the danger to vital offshore oil platforms from terrorists coming through the sea route, Coast Guard Director General Vice-Admiral R F Contractor today said aerial and surface surveillance had been stepped up to counter these threats.

''The Coast Guard has stepped up its aerial and surface surveillance to safeguard our assets against subversive threats from the sea,'' The Vice-Admiral told a press conference on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the organisation.

He said the emerging security situation in the backdrop of global terrorism called for the Coast Guard to be at the highest state of vigil while on patrol at sea.

The Director General said surveillance of the 7,500 km-long coastline was being done with full vigour.

''Fishing boats entering the Indian waters are being surveyed through aircraft,'' he added.

He said all the services were seized of the problem. ''Adequate measures are in place to counter these threats.'' He said three stations were commissioned last year at Puducherry, Beypore and kakinada to bridge the surveillance gap along the coast.

The stations at puducherry assumes significance with oil and gas finds off Chennai and in the Krishna Godavari basin.

He thanked the government for approving the XIth Development Plan (2007-12) which envisaged acquisition of 15 major ships and 23 aircraft that include multi mission maritime aircraft (MMMA) from abroad, twin engine helicopters and unmanned aerial vechiles.

''This will enhance the surface and aerial surveillance capability to a great extent.'' On the organisation's expansion plan, he said five fast patrol vessels, two advanced offshore patrol vessels, three pollution control vessels, three inshore patrol vessels and 11 interceptor boats were being constructed.

Admitting to a shortage of manpower, he said the shortage was 20-25 per cent for officers, 30 per cent for sailors and 20 per cent for civilians.

UNI