Thaindian News

By Praful Kumar Singh

New Delhi, Jan 28 (ANI): To increase maritime security and minimise infiltration via sea route, the Indian Coast Guard will have radars fitted at all the lighthouses along the country’s coastline.

The project would cost Rs.351 crore and the inputs gathered would be shared at different levels with maritime operational authorities for responding to threats.

Director General of the Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, said on Thursday that along with the radars, cameras and AIS systems would also be fitted on the lighthouses.

Addressing mediapersons ahead of the 33rd anniversary of the ICG, he said: “All over India, there are light houses and they are fairly tall structures. In 2005-06 plans were made to put radars atop them to pick up contacts of anything close to the coast.”

“But the more contacts you pick, the more confusing it becomes unless you know who it is. Now they will have camera and AIS to take pictures and identify,” Vice Admiral Chopra added.

He said that 96 coastal police stations would be established along the coast in the first phase followed by 131 police stations in the second phase. Approximately 1700 police personnel have also been imparted training by the Coast Guard in seamanship and boat handling aspects.

“A coastal road along the coastline, as in other countries, is also under construction to help in patrolling. About 204 boats have to be supplied to these coastal police stations. It (security measure) is being monitored at the level of cabinet secretary,” he said.

The Coast Guard fleet at present comprises of 43 ships, 23 boats and 45 aircrafts. The ICG has 27 coast guard stations and eight air stations located in nine coastal states. It has an approximate strength of 7500 personnel. (ANI)