Question : MARITIME SECURITY SYSTEM

(a) whether the Government proposes to increase the country’s maritime security;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there is any proposal under the consideration of the Government to upgrade/strengthen all the security arrangements already installed for country’s maritime security;

(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the expenditure likely to be incurred for the purpose; and

(e) the funds allocated, released and expenditure incurred on country’s maritime security during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)

(a) to (e): After the incident of 26th November, 2008 in Mumbai, Government has taken various measures to strengthen the coastal security of the country. Three notifications – first 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 – have been issued on 24.06.2009; the third has been issued lowering GRT from 300 to 100 for fitment of Automatic Identification System transponders (Class A or B) in non-fishing commercial vessels operating in the Indian coastal waters. Further, a circular has been issued on 7.5.2009 regarding fitment of AIS transponders on all fishing vessels above 20 meters in length. In addition, the Government has also approved a proposal for establishment of Automatic Identification System Network along the coastline of India at an estimated cost of Rs.70.00 crore.