Coastal security strengthened post 26/11 terror attack: Rijiju

He said Coastal security has been subjected to multi-level inter- ministerial review by the government

Significant steps have been taken by the Indian Coast Guard for round-the-clock monitoring and patrolling of eastern and western coasts post 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

The entire coastal security scenario has been reviewed in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attack and several initiatives and decisions have been taken to ward off threats from the sea, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said.

Coastal security has been subjected to multi-level inter- ministerial review by the government, he said in a written reply.

Replying to supplementaries, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said government will make maximum efforts to ensure coastal security.

Listing out the initiatives and decisions to enhance the coastal security, Rijiju said Phase-I of the Coastal Security Scheme was completed in March 2011 and the Indian Navy has been designated as the Authority responsible for overall Maritime Security.

The Navy has established four joint operation centres at Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi and Port Blair for sharing intelligence among various agencies and acting on actionable intelligence at sea.

Rijiju said the Indian Coast Guard has also established nine additional stations, including at Karwar and Ratnagiri.

He also said that preparation of National Population Register (NPR) for coastal population has been initiated.

Besides, issuance of Multi-purpose National Identity Cards (MNICS) to all those living in the coastal villages, including fishermen, and registration of all types of fishing vessels have been initiated, he added.