The last outpost of the country in the Arabian Sea, Minicoy, got its coastal security surveillance apparatus when the Defence Minister, Shri. A.K. Antony, on his maiden visit to this part of the country, inaugurated the Coast Guard Station at an impressive function here on 24th December, 2010. He also concurrently established a new Coast Guard District Headquarters for Lakshadweep at Kavaratti. The set up at Kavaratti has been named District headquarters No. 12 and it will have operational control over a number of ships and aircraft such as Hovercrafts, Fast Patrol Vessels, Interceptor Boats, Helicopter and Fixed Wing Aircraft on the commissioning of planned stations. All the operational platforms are equipped with modern surveillance systems, sensors, weapons and communication quipment to maintain round-the-clock vigil at sea.

Addressing the personnel and the islanders at Minicoy, Shri Antony said, ‘We can neglect the seas only at our peril, as the 2008 terror attacks on Mumbai showed’. Urging the maritime forces to remain ever vigilant and not to lower their guard at any point of time, he said, nations are turning to the seas and oceans for sustenance as natural resources on the land are getting depleted fast. The two new establishments in the strategically located islands will provide the much needed teeth to Coast Guard operations and enhance safety and security of Lakshadweep Islands. They would also facilitate greater synergy between Coast Guard, administration of Lakshadweep and other agencies.

The Indian Coast Guard also plans to set up another Coast Guard Station at Andrott next year and an air enclave at Minicoy in 2012. Six radar stations of the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) are also being established in Lakshadweep. Shri Antony said, the commissioning of the much needed Coast Guard Station at Minicoy has a special relevance due to its proximity to two of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Since the nearest Coast Guard ships and aircraft were based at Kochi, a need for Coast Guard station with a forward airbase at this location was always felt. He said our aim is to create a realtime coastal surveillance system that can be controlled even from remote locations.

“The fast-paced economic growth has increased the volume of maritime trade and commerce. The resultant growth of maritime traffic calls for drawing up an efficient framework that addresses all issues related to maritime safety, security, protection of maritime environment, disaster mitigation and law enforcement at sea. The maritime infrastructure, oceanic resources and sea-borne trade need to be zealously protected 24X7. The Coast Guard possesses the expertise in this field and as such, its role is highly significant and relevant”, he said.