In step with accelerated pace of growth set for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), a new ICG station was commissioned at Androth Island in the Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea.
The station was commissioned by Southern Naval Commander Vice Admiral KN Sushil.
ICG already operates two stations in the Lakshadweep Islands -- at Kavaratti, where the ICG District Headquarters No 12 has been established, and at Minicoy. These two had been commissioned by Defence Minister AK Antony in December 2010.
In his address during the commissioning ceremony, Admiral Sushil dwelt upon the need for continuing coordination and synergy between various stakeholders involved in maritime and coastal security.
ICG Director General Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan highlighted the several far-reaching initiatives taken by the ICG to augment man power and force levels to meet existing and future challenges.
Setting up of stations at strategically important locations, such as this, would provide requisite fillip to coastal security efforts, he stated.
ICGS Androth will function under Coast Guard District headquarters No 12.
ICG is also in the process of setting up a chain of static sensors with Automatic Identification System along the entire coastline of the country to enable effective monitoring of shipping and fishing traffic. An ICG air station is also on the anvil at Minicoy. |