Centre takes steps to strengthen coastal security

New Delhi, July 16: Union Home Minister

on Wednesday said the central government is taking all necessary steps to strengthen coastal security.

"The government is taking all necessary steps like setting up new coastal police stations and adding more fleet to the force to strengthen the Coast Guard," he said while replying to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha.

He also said the National Maritime Authority will be set up soon to improve the country's coastal security.

"The second phase of the Coastal Security Scheme will be completed by 2016," the minister added.

In a separate reply, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said the first phase of the Coastal Security Scheme was completed in March 2011 and the Indian Navy has been designated as the authority responsible for overall maritime security.

The scheme is aimed at improving the coastal security in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Besides, Rijiju said the Coast Guard have set up nine additional stations, including at Karwar and Ratnagiri.

IANS