Kakinada, September 18: Union Minister of State for Defence M M Pallamraju today said two more Coast Guard Stations would be set up in Andhra Pradesh – one at Nizampatnam and the other at Krishnapatnam – by the end of the current five year plan.
Speaking after commissioning a 40-metre dedicated berth for the Coast Guard at the Kakinada deep water port here,the Minister said the facility would help in quick mobility of the patrol vessels to face the security challenges at sea effectively.
The Coast Guard force levels wee being augumented to enhance the maritime surveilance and aerial mobility capailities, he added.
Stating that the mineral potential and criticality of seaborne trade, oceanic resources, Ports and associated maritime infrastructure in the state were valuble for India’s economic growth and prosperity, Mr Pallamraju said the role of the Indian Coast Guard had assumed greater significance in the light of finding of vast oil and gas reserves in the KG basin.
Despite force level constraints, Coast Guard units have been involved in multifarious maritime activities such as anti-piracy, rendering prompt assistance to mariners and fisherfolk in distress, medical evacuation, handling of refugees and marine environment protection.
Keeping in view the country’s requirments, the coastal security had been beefed up with acquisition of new systems such as static radar sensors, operational platforms and setting up of more Coast Guard stations along the coast line, he added.
——Agencies