Chief Secretary L.V. Subrahmanyam has requested Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba to entrust the responsibility of maintaining the 18 interceptor boats given to Andhra Pradesh for coastal security, to the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Visakhapatnam.
In a video-conference conducted on Monday by Mr. Gauba with Chief Secretaries, top police officers and other stakeholders on threats faced by the coastal States, Mr. Subrahmanyam said the government was in the process of inducting officers from security forces in the Maritime Board that was formed to govern integrated planning, development and monitoring of all ports in the State. Mr. Gauba stressed the need for close monitoring of the fishing boats and proper coordination between the Navy, Coast Guard and police for warding off potential threats.
He also insisted that biometric identity cards should be given to all fishermen and the boats be fitted with satellite transponders that help in surveillance.
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Mr. Gauba also discussed the establishment of a National Academy of Coastal Policing at Dwaraka in Gujarat, amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act, coastal defence exercises and other activities of the departments concerned.
Director-General of Police Gautam Sawang and others were present.