Coastal Security

Inputs from various intelligence / security agencies apprehending terrorist attacks from the sea routes that are received at Multi Agency Centres are analysed and continuously acted upon according to threat perception. Coastal Security has been strengthened through augmentation of assets and resources of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. An estimated expenditure of Rs.6960 crores has been sanctioned for Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard towards this end. In addition, Coastal Security Scheme Phase-ll of Ministry of Home Affairs with total financial outlay of Rs.1579.91 crores to be implemented over a period of 5 years starting from 1.4.2011, entails establishment of marine police stations with provision of patrol boats, jetties and vehicles in the 9 coastal states and 4 Union Territories. Government has initiated several measures to strengthen Coastal Security, which includes improving surveillance mechanism and enhanced patrolling by following an integrated approach. Joint operational exercises are conducted on regular basis among Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Customs and others for security of coastal areas including island territories. The intelligence mechanism has also been streamlined through the creation of Joint Operation Centers and multi-agency coordination mechanism. Installation of radars covering the country`s entire coastline including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is an essential part of this process. This information was given by Minister of Defence Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri G.M. Siddeshwara and Shri Nityananda Pradhan in Lok Sabha today.