Team Herald
VASCO: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that maritime terrorism continues to be a major threat, as India has a long coastline.
“We have started the process of security to audit and identify vulnerable areas in our seas and coastal areas,” Singh said, after commissioning the Indian Coast Guard ship Sarathi, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Vasco.
Stating that the Central government has adopted a broad and integrated coastal security scheme to strengthen the coastal network, he said the government has been successful in addressing problems pertaining to maritime security post-Mumbai terror attacks.
He said the Director General of Coast Guard has been designated as commander of coastal security and that the Coast Guard should work towards safety of India’s maritime ecosystem.
“The Indian Coast Guard is among the important pillars alongwith Indian Navy and Indian marine police, as they act as security shields and bring ample opportunities for eco-prosperity in the country,” he added.
He congratulated GSL for its improvement and progress and for its shipbuilding capabilities. He also congratulated the Coast Guard for rescuing 7100 persons this year.
He said that the GSL has improved drastically and has become a highly-reputed ship builder by delivering offshore patrol vessels before schedule.
