Coastal security being strengthened, says government

New Delhi, Feb.18 (ANI): Coastal security across the country is being strengthened through a series of measures, the government revealed on Wednesday.

Radhika V. Selvi, Minister of State of Home, told members of the Rajya Sabha that several meetings have been held in the ministries of Home, Defence, Shipping, Road Transport and Highways and Agriculture to review, upgrade and strengthen the coastal security of the country.

The following major decisions have been taken:

The task of guarding the Indian coastline right from the shoreline (High Tide Line) has been entrusted to the Coast Guard. However, the responsibility of overall maritime security rests with the Indian Navy.

Coastal States/UTs have been directed to expedite the implementation of the approved Coastal Security Scheme such as early completion of construction of coastal police stations, check posts, out-posts and barracks apart from sanctioning, recruitment and training of executive and technical manpower.

The coastal States and UTs have been directed to immediately start coastal patrolling by locally hired fishing boats/trawlers, charges being reimbursable by MHA.

The coastal States/UTs have been directed to carry out vulnerability/gap analysis on their coasts in consultation with Coast Guard, and furnish their additional requirements for formulation of a comprehensive proposal for further approval of the Government of India.

Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways has been directed to streamline the process of registration of all types of vessels, i.e., fishing as well as non-fishing vessels, and also to ensure fitting/provision of navigational and communication equipments on these boats.

Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairies and Fisheries is taking steps to issue ID cards to all the fishermen. The Registrar General of India (RGI) is also issuing ID cards under Multi-purpose National Identity Card (MNICs) Scheme to all the population in the coastal villages including fishermen. (ANI)