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New Delhi, Nov 21 (IANS) Over 6,000 personnel and over 115 sea and air resources participated in the two-day coastal security exercise Sagar Kavach-02/25 conducted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) off the Maharashtra and Goa coastline. An official gave this information on Friday.
The exercise, conducted from November 19-20, demonstrated high inter-agency coordination, strong operational readiness and robust capabilities to counter maritime security contingencies, including threats posed by anti-national elements (ANEs) targeting critical coastal assets, an official said in a statement.
The exercise saw the participation of over 6,000 personnel, over 115 maritime and air assets and a wide range of central and state agencies, ports and coastal authorities.
The objective of the exercise was to assess the preparedness of all participating agencies to deal with coastal security emergencies, prevent attacks on critical coastal installations and further strengthen the multi-layered coastal security network.
It also seeks to enhance coordination between central and state stakeholders responsible for coastal and maritime security, the statement said.
A wide range of sea and air assets were mobilized, including Indian Navy and ICG ships, ICG Dornier aircraft, Chetak helicopters and Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs). To ensure seamless coordination in all operational areas, police and fisheries department boats as well as marine police boats, Customs and CISF craft and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) resources were deployed.
The exercise significantly enhanced interoperability, communication networks and coordination between security, intelligence and port management agencies.
The statement said the involvement of a major port, 21 minor ports and district-level coastal authorities along with a wide spectrum of 19 central and 13 state agencies ensured comprehensive coverage of both sea and shore responses.
The ICG on Thursday intercepted a Bangladeshi fishing vessel along with 28 of its crew on charges of illegal fishing inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), officials said.
The ship was intercepted during routine patrol and taken to Fraserganj, West Bengal. Later, the boat including its crew was handed over to the state marine police for legal proceedings.
Officials said the operation was conducted as per standard operating procedures to protect India’s sovereign rights over its marine resources.
This is the fourth such seizure in a week and reflects the increased vigilance and patrolling of the Coast Guard along the eastern seaboard. He said the ICG has intensified patrolling in the last few weeks to prevent illegal fishing and conserve marine biodiversity.
The CG said its role as the country’s first responder at sea extends beyond search and rescue to ensure maritime safety.
–IANS
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