Question : PATROLLING OF COASTAL AREAS

(a) whether the Government has formulated an action plan for strengthening coastal security by intensive patrolling of the coastal areas of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and other vessels added to the Coast Guard Fleet during each of the last three years and the current year;

(d) whether the increase in the number of such vehicles has resulted in intensive patrolling of the coastal areas, particularly the western coast of the country; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with the other steps being taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)

A Statement is laid on the Table of the House,

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 348 FOR ANSWER ON 1.8.2014

Government has initiated several measures to strengthen Coastal Security, which includes enhanced patrolling and improved surveillance. Joint operational exercises are conducted on regular basis by Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, Customs and others for security of coastal areas including island territories. Further a mechanism for continuous review and monitoring has been put in place involving all stakeholders including the State Governments. The intelligence mechanism has also been streamlined through the creation of Joint Operation Centres and multi-agency coordination mechanism.

A total of 45 Ships and 18 interceptor Crafts (ICs) have been inducted into Indian Coast Guard (ICG) since 2011. This includes Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), Special role Vessel (SRV), Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), Interceptor Boats (IBs), and Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs). The year-wise induction is as follows:

 
	Induction of Surface Platforms (numbers) 
 Year	OPV	SRV	FPV	IB	ACV	IC 2011	04	07 2012	_-	01	04	01	03	07 2013	01	08	06	04	04 2014	05	05	03 (upto 24th July 2014) Total	01	01	17	16	10	18