Post 26/11, after conducting vulnerability-gap analysis, Government of India has formulated the Coastal Security Scheme (Phase-II) for implementation with effect from 01-04-2011 onwards with an outlay of Rs.1580 crore.
Under this Scheme, the coastal States / UTs interalia are provided with 131 coastal police stations, 10 Marine Operation Police Centres (MOPCs), 60 jetties, 225 boats of various categories and a lump sum assistance Rs.15 lakhs per coastal police station.
Besides the above, under the Phase-I of the Coastal Security Scheme which was implemented from 2005-06 upto 31st March, 2011, with an outlay of Rs.646 crore, the coastal States / UTs were provided with 73 coastal police stations, 97 Check Posts, 58 Out Posts, 30 Barracks, 204 boats, 153 jeeps, 312 motor cycles, 10 Rigid inflatable Boats (RIBs) and a lump sum of Rs.10 lakhs per coastal police station for equipment, furniture, etc.
With a view to augment the force level of Indian Coast Guard, contracts for acquisition of 120 surface platforms (ships / boats / hovercraft) and 16 aircraft have been concluded during the period from 2009 till August 2013. More than 4000 additional posts have been also sanctioned for the Indian Coast Guard during the same period.
Government attaches utmost importance to nation’s coastal security and surveillance. Review and monitoring of coastal security mechanism is a continuous process. Several measures to strengthen Coastal Security, including improving surveillance mechanism and enhanced patrolling by security agencies following an integrated approach have been put in place.
Joint operational exercises are conducted on regular basis among Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police, customs and others. The intelligence mechanism has been streamlined through the creation of Joint Operation Centres and multi-agency coordination mechanism.
Installation of radars covering the country’s coastline and islands is also an essential part of this process. Deployment of assets is done as per threat inputs / perceptions and requirements.
The Coast Guard has been adequately equipped to face the challenges of national security and the role assigned to it by the Government.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Dr. Janardhan Waghmare in Rajya Sabha today.
