Question : SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS IN COASTAL AREAS

(a) whether the Government has sanctioned a chain of radars and electro-optical surveillance systems along the coast in order to detect and foil any attempt by terrorists to use the sea route to enter the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the progress made in installing the system in the coastal areas;

(c) whether there has been delay in installing these systems;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(e) the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)

(a) to (e): Yes, Madam. The state-wise details of approved coastal radar stations are placed at Annexure ‘A’. Out of the 46 radar stations, work on 44 stations is complete. On the remaining two sites, work at the Sagar island site has been delayed as the site was inundated due to cyclone Phailin and the subsequent monsoon and at Narcondum island, MoEF has denied permission for setting up of the Radar Station there. Alternate site has been identified at Brichganj Military Station, Port Blair. Further, in order to achieve near gap-free surveillance along the coastline, the Government has also accorded approval for establishment of radar stations at 38 additional sites as Phase-II of the project.