From rxpgnews.com
Indian Coast Guard eyes major expansion
By IANS,
Jan 31, 2007 - 4:00:28 PM
New Delhi, Jan 31 - The Indian Coast Guard is eyeing a major expansion with the acquisition of 15 ships and 23 aircraft to give it 'deep water' capability, even as it assists the country's coastal states in setting up marine police stations to guard against terrorists and smugglers.
'We have formulated a 15-year perspective plan - that envisages the acquisition of 15 major new ships and 23 planes that include multi-mission maritime aircraft, twin engine helicopters and UAVs -,' Coast Guard chief Vice Admiral Rusi Contractor told reporters Wednesday on the eve of its 30th anniversary.
'This will make us a true deep water force and enhance our surface and aerial surveillance capability to a great extent as India expands its exclusive economic zone -,' he added.
The Coast Guard, which started with two frigates and five patrol boats leased from the Indian Navy, currently operates 76 ships and 45 aircraft. In addition, 24 ships, including five Fast Patrol Vessels, two Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels and 11 Interceptor Boats, are under construction in yards across the country. The assets envisaged in the perspective plan are over and above these.
Such force levels are required as India's EEZ currently extends over 2.01 million sq km and subject to UN approval, could expand to three million sq km.
This apart, 'there are the contemporary threats of maritime terrorism, gun running, drug trafficking, smuggling and piracy need to be countered by determined and coordinated maritime action', Contractor pointed out.
'The emerging security scenario in the backdrop of global terrorism calls for the Coast Guard to be at the highest state of vigil whilst on patrol at sea. To counter this new challenge, we have stepped up our aerial surveillance to safeguard our assets against subversive threats from the sea,' he added.
It is in this context that the Coast Guard is assisting India's 10 coastal states in setting up marine police stations and training police personnel - 1,162 so far - under the government's Coastal Security Scheme.
'This would ensure that our vast coastline, which stretches over 7,000 km, becomes impregnable to small dinghies that are used to land contraband on our shores,' Contractor maintained.
Since its inception, the Coast Guard has apprehended 8,974 foreign fishermen along with 904 vessels for violating the Maritime Zones of India Act. The value of fish catch impounded is estimated to be Rs.240 million and the value of the vessels at Rs.5.73 billion.
In 2006, joint operations with the Narcotics Control Bureau - resulted in seizures worth Rs.2.38 billion.
The Coast Guard also provides sea cover and safety assistance to the Indian Space Research Organisation -, National Institute of Ocean Technology - and the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships in performing scientific tasks at sea or at remote locations.
'The successful recovery - of the space module by the Coast Guard has been a landmark event and highlights its capability to undertake special operations in the high seas,' Contractor pointed out.
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