Coastguard to further strengthen in near future: Commander

Panaji, Feb 14 (UNI) The Indian Coast Guard, apart from strengthening its fleet by further acquiring state-of-the-art vessels in near future, is trying to induct dedicated ships to deal with the oil spills as part of its drive to preserve fragile marine ecology.

Adressing mediapersons in connection with the February 18 fleet review by Union Defence minister A K Antony, western regional coast guard commander A Rajesekhar (said the authorities had placed orders for three such dedicated vessels with the Surat-based ABG manufacturer.

The first consignment was expected to be received by this year.

On the other hand, most of the vessels of the coastguard, particularly the bigger ones, were capable of responding to pollution calls, he said.

Mr Rajasekhar said the coastguard would open three more stations - one each at Viraval (Gujarat) and Murut Janjira and Dahanu (Maharashtra) as part of strengthening its bases in the country to meet exigencies.

Meanwhile, he renewed his plea with the State governments for directing the fishermen associations to ensure the sea-bound fishing vessels are fitted with GPC and VHF devices so that the fishermen could be contacted in times of emergencies.

About 20 per cent of the vessels and many in Maharashtra and Kerala responded to the call made two years ago. Much had to be done in this regard, he said.

The ''hot-line'' between Indian and Pakistan coastguards had been active for exchanging information on missing fishermen and straying boats. Such instances had, however, been very minimal of late, Rajasekhar added.

UNI