The Indian Coast Guard is set to position more aircraft and sea-going vessels in Thiruvananthapuram to extend its footprint in the southern peninsula and strengthen coastal and maritime security.
Director General of Indian Coast Guard Rajendra Singh who visited Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday reviewed the progress of the ongoing infrastructural development activities with the Station Commander, Thiruvananthapuram, and State Commander, Kerala.
The meeting discussed the acquisition of land adjacent to the airport here, leasing of the airport building, and the aircraft parking facility for the Coast Guard air base and the construction of a 77-metre-long jetty to facilitate berthing of medium vessels of the Coast Guard.
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The meeting was told that a new interceptor vessel designed for search and rescue and maritime security operations would be positioned at the Vizhinjam harbour within two to three months. Medium and large ships with helicopters and equipped for pollution control would also be stationed at Vizhinjam on completion of the jetties.
Happy with work
Mr. Singh expressed satisfaction with the initiatives to enhance the coastal security apparatus. He also hailed the support received by Central and State government officials for the development works.
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He later inaugurated a multi facility complex for the sailors. Mrs. Urmila Singh opened a hospital building at the Coast Guard Station, Vizhinjam.
She also presented school bags to children of a fishing village at Vizhinjam.