New Coast Guard stations in Lakshadweep to keep pirates at bay

New Delhi, Dec 22 (ANI): To bolster coastal security and keep pirates at bay, India will open two Coast Guard establishments in Lakshadweep on Friday.

Increasing incidents of piracy very near to Lakshadweep in recent times have added a whole new dimension to threat perception in the region.

Defence Minister AK Antony will be visiting Lakshadweep on Friday to open two Coast Guard stations.

The two establishments are, Indian Coast Guard District Head Quarters-12 at Kavaratti and the Coast Guard Station at Minicoy.

The headquarters at Kavaratti will facilitate closer coordination among ICG, Union Territory officials and other maritime stakeholders on matters concerning maritime interest.

It will also be instrumental in executing quick decisions for fast developing situations at sea.

Located between 200 and 400 kilometers away from Kerala coast, the Lakshadweep archipelago, comprises 36 islands with a total area of about 32 square kilometers. Only 11 of these 36 islands are inhabited.

The Lakshadweep group of islands are also vulnerable to marine pollution as two of the world's busiest Sea lanes of Communication (SLOC) are abounding it. (ANI)