The Ministry of Defence announced that phase-II of Coastal security will begin soon

After the high level meet of Defence Ministry on 8 October 2012, the Defence Minister, A.K. Antony announced that the phase-II of the coastal security initiatives would be launched shortly. He also said that its time to focus on fool-proof marine security. Phase-II of the security initiatives would concentrate on development of a gap-free and robust Maritime Domain Awareness. The announcement came after the Defence Minister reviewed different steps taken for enhancement or the Coastal Security Network.

In his announcement, he emphasised on completion of the pending tasks in a time-bound manner. Advising the Coastal States and different departments acting as stakeholders towards Coastal Security to monitor things closely, he promised that the Indian Coat Guard and Navy would complete their actions in a time-bound manner. He also requested the Cabinet Secretary to fix timeline for monitoring the performance of all.

He stressed towards strengthening of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries in Government of India and the Department of Fisheries of States. The Defence Minister, laid emphasis on making the fishermen an integral part of their planning considering them to be the eyes and ears of the Coastal Security.

Appreciating the steps taken for monitoring the maritime traffic by installation of 46 coastal static radars, which includes 10 in the island territory and 36 in the mainland, he stated that the navy and the coastal guard has seen an unparallel growth in its capabilities.