Lok Sabha Question No. 5601 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Improvement in Coastal Security
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5601

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 th  April, 2025

## IMPROVEMENT IN COASTAL SECURITY

5601. SHRI KRISHNA PRASAD TENNETI:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details regarding the steps taken by the Government to improve India's coastal security during the last ten years;
- (b) the details regarding the total number of sea vessels seized and individuals arrested during the last ten years for illegally entering/attempting to India's sea space during the last ten years;
- (c) the details regarding the funding allocated/utilised for the purposes of improving India's coastal security during the last ten years, especially in Andhra Pradesh;
- (d) whether the Government has prepared any immediate action plan in event of major breach of India's coastal security and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether an institutional framework has been set up for citizen engagement in form of a voluntary force/civil defence mechanism during the last ten years, if so, the details thereof, especially those conducted in Andhra Pradesh; and

(f) whether any training programme has been conducted for their battle preparedness and if so, the details thereof?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

| MINISTER OF STATE          | (SHRI SANJAY SETH)   |
|----------------------------|----------------------|
| IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE |                      |

(a):  Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has taken following initiative to strengthen the coastal security of the nation: -

ICG deploys 18-20 ships,  30-35  crafts and  10-12 aircrafts for surveillance  on daily basis. ICG assets ensure maritime law enforcement to strengthen coastal security and maintain rule based order at sea. Surveillance efforts also focus on Offshore Development Area (ODA) and seas adjoining Island groups (Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep). Surveillance of coastal  areas  through  Coastal  Surveillance  Network  (CSN)  and  investigation  by  Remote Operating Station (ROS) and Remote Operating Centres (ROCs) are undertaken. During last 10 years, ICG has conducted 3,00,296 Boarding Operations for deterrence and to establish identity of personnel, 153 Coastal Security Exercises, 451 Coastal Security Operations, 458 Security Drills and 3645 Joint Coastal Patrol Sorties.

(b):  A total of 179 boats have been sized and 1683 personnel arrested over last ten years for illegally entering Indian Waters. These boats were engaged in various illegal activities like poaching, narcotics smuggling, illegal immigrations etc.

(c):  Funds utilized towards acquisition of ships and aircraft by ICG towards coastal security (Pan  India)  is  Rs.  12,201  Crore  including  Andhra  Pradesh.  Fund  utilized  for  Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) (Pan India) including Andhra Pradesh is Rs. 1583.8 Crore.

(d):  Coastal Security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Coastal States/UTs have been promulgated. These SOPs highlight responsibility of various stakeholder agencies, conduct of operations and response management for various coastal security States.

(e):    ICG  interactions  are  focused  on  maritime  safety  and  security.  ICG  conducts  regular Community  Interaction  Programmes  (CIPs)  involving  fisher  folks.  During  the  interactions various maritime safety and security aspects are deliberated. A toll free number 1554 has also been promulgated for reporting of any eventuality at sea. Further, fishermen watch groups have also been created by States for reporting of any suspicious activities along coast. In last ten years, a total of 2514 CIPs have been conducted in Andhra Pradesh.

(f):    Training  is  imparted  to  ICG  personnel  and  Marine  Police  personnel  towards effective Coastal Security and performing their laid down role and functions.

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