'Decisions and approvals for coastal security including the procurement cases should be implemented in a time-bound manner', the defence minister said.
Reviewing coastal security measures taken after the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai, defence minister AK Antony today stressed on the need for increasing vigilance and response to threats from sea.
"Decisions and approvals for coastal security including the procurement cases should be implemented in a time-bound manner and the concerned agencies should regularly monitor the progress," the defence minister told a meeting to review coastal security.
After Pakistan-based terrorists used the sea route to carry out attacks on Mumbai on November 26, 2008, the Centre has taken various steps to improve the security of coasts to avoid such incidents in future.
Today's meeting was attended by cabinet secretary KM Chandrashekhar, navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma, Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and DG coast guard Vice Admiral Anil Chopra along with Secretaries from ministries of Shipping, home affairs and Fisheries and Animal Husbandry.
In the meeting, the navy and coast guard gave detailed presentations about their achievements in exercises, operations and awareness campaigns along the coast, greater coordination and information sharing with central and state agencies, progress of manpower cases and procurement of equipment.
Emphasising on the need for formation of state maritime boards in coastal areas, Antony said, "These boards will function as coordinating agencies for coastal security and other related issues."
The defence minister said he would take up the formation of these boards on priority with the states concerned. Three states have already established these boards.
Issues such as port security including minor ports, coastal security scheme, dedicated marine police in the states, progress of registration of fishing vessels, provision of ID cards for fishermen and licensing of fishing vessels were also discussed during the meeting.
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