One-year stock taking on coastal security next month: Defence minister

The government will do a detailed stock-taking of the country's coastal security apparatus to coincide with the first anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks.

It will also strengthen the coast guard by adding 50-odd ships and interceptor boats, set up nine new stations in all coastal states, increase its manpower by another 3,000 and install 46 radars all through the 7,500-km-long coastline.

"Next month, we will carry out a review of our one-year performance and status of implementation of all measures to strength coastal security after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks," defence minister AK Antony told reporters here after inaugurating the coast guard commanders conference.

Antony said the new procurements, sanctioned by the government, were in the final stages and that the government was constantly monitoring the implementation of the plans for a robust coastal security set-up.

However, Antony evaded a reply when asked if there was resistance among the top brass of the country's security establishment over appointment of a Maritime Security Adviser (MSA) mooted after the 26/11 attacks.