Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence reviews Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) role in coastal security | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence reviews Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) role in coastal security

Posted 19 Nov 2024

Updated 20 Nov 2024

2 min read

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)

  • Legislation: The Coast Guard Act of 1978
  • Objective: Safeguarding India’s 11,098 km coastline and ensuring the security of vital maritime trade routes. Functions: include protecting offshore installations, assisting fishermen, preserving the marine environment, preventing pollution, supporting anti-smuggling operations, and enforcing maritime laws.
  • Ministry: Ministry of Defense.
  • Tags :
  • SAGAR
  • ICG
  • Sea Vigil Exercise
  • Ministry of Defence.
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