(a) whether the Government has constituted any expert panel on coastal security;
(b) if so, the details and composition thereof alongwith the number of meetings held, etc.,
during the last two years;
(c) whether it discussed/shared information regarding issues related to ships and coastal security;and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)
(a) to (d): The National Committee on Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security against threats from the
Sea was formed in August, 2009 with a view to ensure timely implementation of various important decisions
taken by the Government in respect of maritime and coastal security of the country, consequent to the
terrorists attack in Mumbai on 26.11.2008. The Committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary with members
from various other Ministries/Departments. The Committee has met on five occasions i.e., on 04.09.2009,
22.01.2010, 14.05.2010, 23.11.2010 and 29.01.2011. The issues relating to Shipping and Coastal Security
inter-alia were discussed in these meetings. However, it is mentioned that this Committee is not an
expert panel.