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| Coastal Radar Station (File Photo) |
Defence Minister Shri AK Antony reviewed the various steps taken to enhance coastal security network in the country. Presiding a high-level meeting here today, Shri Antony said that there must be a time bound action plan to complete all pending decisions at the earliest. He noted that there has been coordination amongst the Stakeholders towards coastal security and assured that Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard will complete their actions on time but that the actions required from other departments and coastal states needs to be monitored closely. He requested Cabinet Secretary for fixing timeline to monitor their performance.
Shri Antony reiterated that fishermen in our coastal States are the “eyes and ears” of the coastal security and they need to be an integral part of all our planning. He specially laid stress on strengthening of the Department of Fisheries of States and Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries in Government of India. He also requested the Cabinet Secretary to monitor this aspect.
The Minister appreciated the steps taken for installation of 46 Coastal Static Radars (36 in mainland and 10 in island territories) which would go a long way in identification and monitoring of maritime traffic. He directed for completion of the installation of Radars in the mainland by 26 November 2012 and in the island territories by March 2013. Shri Antony pointed out that the Phase II of coastal security initiatives will begin shortly, which will result in putting a robust and gap free maritime domain awareness.
Shri Antony further said that the Navy and Coast Guard have been significantly strengthened and there has been an unprecedented growth in their capabilities. He stated that the assets, infrastructure and manpower have grown and the two services are likely to almost double their capabilities by the end of 13th Plan.
In the meeting, representatives from Indian Navy and various central ministries updated the positions of different actions taken by them.
The meeting was attended by Shri Shiv Shankar Menon, National Security Adviser, Shri Ajit Seth, Cabinet Secretary, Admiral DK Joshi, Chief of Naval Staff, Shri Shashikant Sharma, Defence Secretary, Shri AK Mangotra, Secretary (BM), Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri GC Pati, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Shri RK Mathur, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Shri Rajendar Singh, Officiating DG Coast Guard and other senior officers from the Services and the Ministry of Defence.