3 years needed to implement AIS system: Centre tells HC

The Centre today told Madras High Court that it required three years to make coastal security mechanism efficient and robust to ensure tracking of smaller fishing vessels by fixing Automatic Identification System.
The government stand was made in response to a petition by Gnaneswaran, an advocate, seeking provision of chain of ASI system stations along the Tamil Nadu Coast and Global Positioning System in the boats.
The petitioner referred to the alleged atrocities committed on Indian fishermen near International Maritime Boundary Line.
When the matter came up in March, a Bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul directed the Centre to place a final picture and the time required for implementation of the ASI project if any.

Today, Union Ministry of Home affairs filed a note on Fitment of AIS transponder for tracing small fishing boats.
The Centre also said the cabinet note in this regard was expected to be finalised shortly and the approval of the competent authority would be obtained to strengthen the security of the coast.
"In terms of this note, the functional and practical system found as a viable solution across the table on Pan India is fitment of such transponders. The Government is stated to have taken necessary steps for fitment of these transponders in small fishing vessels below 20 meters length up to territorial water of 12 Nautical Miles from the coast line."

The bench after recording the Centre's stand, closed the PIL saying that no further orders were required.