The increasing threat of Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean, frequent problems faced by fishermen, safety of nuclear installations along the coastline and many more issues concerning coastal security called for an elaborate discussion at a seminar on Friday.
The PG Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Voorhees College conducted a regional seminar on Coastal Security – Challenges and Response.
Topics
Experts spoke on various topics concerning coastal security during the seminar – India’s responses to coastal oceanic security challenges in the coming decades, understanding coastal security issues and concerns, nuclear installations in Tamil Nadu with reference to Kalpakkam and Kudankulam and coastal security and police perspectives of coastal problem.
“Some of the challenges faced by the country include Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean, safety of nuclear installations, fishermen issue, sea piracy and smuggling,” said D. Thirumaran, assistant professor and co-convenor of the seminar.
Some of the suggestions that were put forward during the seminar included protecting the interest and welfare of fishermen as their support was essential for coastal security.
B. Senguttuvan, Member of Parliament, Vellore constituency said the Prime Minister’s visit to Indian Ocean countries was crucial to ward off threats from China on Indian strategic thinking.
He pointed out that China has made dramatic economic advances in the past 10 years and called for strengthening the defence mechanism of India.
He said the outcome of the seminar could be compiled and given as a report. “I will forward the suggestions put forth in the seminar to the Union Ministry of Defence,” he said.
Plea for fund
The college authorities also sought funds from the MP for maintenance of Cobb Hall, which is close to 100 years old. The MP assured to provide funds for the betterment of the institution.
Among others, A. Rajavelu, Bishop of CSI Diocese of Vellore and A. Arulappan, principal of the college and E.R.S. Kumar, covenor of the seminar were present.
