(a) whether the Government has any plan to build deep sea landing centres and helipads in the Bay of Bengal to facilitate search and relief operations during cyclones;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to provide adequate infrastructure facilities for effective search operations to find missing persons during cyclones; and
(d) the total amount allocated for the same?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)
(a) and (b): At present Government has no plan to build deep sea landing centres and helipads in the Bay of Bengal to facilitate search and relief operations during cyclones. However, Air Stations and Air Enclaves are available at various places on East Coast to facilitate air operation for search and rescue operations.
(c) : Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard are fully equipped and capable to carry out effective search and rescue operations to find missing persons during cyclones.
-2/…
LS.US.Q.NO.2191 FOR 31.07.2018
Presently, 03 Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) and 10 Maritime Rescue Sub Centres (MRSCs) have been established by Indian Coast Guard (ICG). MRCCs coordinate promulgation of Distress and Safety Messages through International Safety Net (ISN) and NAVTEX.
ICG has 136 ships and 63 aircraft which are deployed to undertake search and rescue activities to provide immediate succor to fishermen and mariners at sea. ICG also effectively utilized Coastal Surveillance Network System which includes radar chain and communication network to promulgate safety messages to fishermen and mariner operating close to coasts.
(d): No specific fund has been allocated in this regard.
**********