ICG provided a comprehensive overview of the its operational capabilities, strategic initiatives, and preparedness to address the nation’s coastal security challenges.
Security Concerns of the coast
- Terrorist maritime infiltration: Potential sea-based terrorist attacks. E.g., 2008 Mumbai attacks.
- Maritime Trafficking Risks: Smuggling of gold, luxury items, drugs & potential use of maritime routes for illegal trade.
- Industrial & strategic infrastructure vulnerabilities: Numerous Special Economic Zones along coastline; Critical oil and gas infrastructure (refineries, offshore platforms), 13 major ports handling 90% of maritime trade, etc.
- Risk of damage to strategic installation: Naval commands (Vishakhapatnam, Mumbai, Kochi, Port Blair); Nuclear power plants at Tarapur, Kudankulam, Kalpakkam.
- Other Challenges: Poor coordination among agencies, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and vulnerability to natural disasters.
Steps taken to strengthen coastal security
- Organizational Initiatives:
- NCSMCS (National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security): A national forum for reviewing maritime and coastal security.
- National Command Control Communications and Intelligence for enhanced surveillance.
- Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Enhanced through the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) with radars, sensors, Automatic Identification System (AIS) etc.
- Procedural Initiatives: SAGAR Initiative, Sea Vigil Exercise, Coastal Security Scheme.
Indian Coast Guard (HQ: Delhi)
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