Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a)        the present arrangements between Indian Navy, Coast Guard and the local police to guard and monitor the coastline so as to prevent illegal entry through sea;

(b)        whether there is any proposal to review this arrangement to make it foolproof, in the wake of reported recent entry of terrorists through sea which caused terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November, 2008; and

(c)        if so, the details thereof and by when its implementation is likely to start?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a)        India’s coastal waters are guarded by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indian Navy (IN) in coordination with the State Police and other agencies like Customs. In the areas of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu schemes have been implemented for coastal security by the Navy and Coast Guard in association with the concerned State agencies.

(b) & (c): It has been decided to entrust guarding of coastline to the Coast Guard with immediate effect. The Indian Navy will provide the necessary backup support to the Coast Guard for this purpose. The Ministry of Shipping would provide all logistical assistance that may be required to the Coast Guard and the Navy.