Adequate 'three-tier security' in place for coastal states: Rijiju

The country's coastal line is 7,516.6 kms and it was a huge challenge to ensure fool proof security, Rijiju said.

New Delhi, Feb 7: Emphasising that there is adequate security for coastal states, the government on Tuesday said 183 coastal police stations have been operationalised and steps have been taken to strengthen them.

With regard to coastal security, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju told the Lok Sabha it is a "question of coordination" and the government is implementing a comprehensive and integrated Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) to strengthen the security infrastructure in coastal states. "Under the scheme, coastal states/union territories have operationalised 183 CPSs, which are equipped with 23 jetties, 97 check posts, 58 outposts, 30 barracks, 204 boats, 280 four wheelers and 546 two wheelers," Rijiju said during Question Hour.

The country's coastal line is 7,516.6 kms and it was a huge challenge to ensure fool proof security, he said, adding "we cannot have one agency to take care of coastal security." Noting that there was "adequate three-tier security" for coastal states, the Minister said the coastal areas are safeguarded by respective state's police forces, Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy.

Police forces of respective coastal states and union territories have jurisdiction of up to 12 nautical miles from the coast. Indian Coast Guard and the Navy have jurisdiction over the entire maritime zone up to 200 nautical miles, including the 12 nautical miles of territorial waters. Coastal security is reviewed periodically with all stakeholders by National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS) against threats from the sea.

Rijiju said various steps have been taken to strengthen security after Mumbai attack in 2008 and ensure that such incidents do not happen again. Responding to a supplementary question, Rijiju said fishermen are an integral part of coastal security and acted as the "eyes and ears".

PTI