‘Coastal security measures fail to go beyond notifications’

Even though November 26 was just another day for most of us Indians, many in Mumbai relived the horrific experience of the terrorist strikes that they had undergone a year ago. After the terrorist attacks of last year, government has announced various measures to strengthen the coastal security of the country. But nothing much of that seems to have happened if one goes by the reply union shipping minister GK Vasan has submitted in writing to Lok Sabha last week.

The minister, in his reply, has talked about issuing a few notifications. However, as it was silent on the implementation side of the regulations, no one really knows how far the measures have effected in making Indian coast safe.

According to the union shipping minister, three notifications were issued so far. Of this, the first was for registration of all Indian fishing vessels and the second containing the list of 127 registrars from the coastal states/UTs for registration of Indian fishing boats. The third one lowered GRT from 300 to 100 for fitment of automatic identification system (AIS) transponders (Class A or B) in non-fishing commercial vessels operating in the Indian coastal waters.

Further, another circular was also issued regarding fitment of AIS transponders on all fishing vessels above 20 meters in length. In addition, he said, the govt has also approved a proposal for establishment of AIS Network along the coastline at an estimated cost of Rs 70 crore.