Coast Guard nabbed 1,683 intruders at sea in 10 years

IANS April 4, 2025 212 views

The Indian Coast Guard has demonstrated remarkable maritime vigilance by intercepting 1,683 individuals across 179 boats in the past decade. Their comprehensive surveillance strategy involves deploying multiple ships, aircraft, and advanced technological networks to protect India's coastal boundaries. The government has invested significant resources, allocating over ₹12,000 crore towards maritime security infrastructure and operations. These efforts underscore India's commitment to maintaining robust maritime law enforcement and preventing illegal activities in its territorial waters.

"ICG assets ensure maritime law enforcement to strengthen coastal security" - Sanjay Seth, MoS Defence
New Delhi, April 4: While guarding seashores, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has seized 179 boats and arrested 1,683 people over the last 10 years for illegally entering Indian waters, the Parliament was informed on Friday.

Key Points

1

Coast Guard deployed 18-20 ships daily for maritime surveillance

2

Conducted 300,296 boarding operations in 10 years

3

Invested ₹12,201 crore in ships and aircraft acquisition

4

Established toll-free number 1554 for sea-related reporting

A toll-free number 1554 has also been promulgated for reporting of any eventuality at sea, said Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Replying to a question by Krishna Prasad Tenneti, the MoS said the 179 boats seized by ICG in the past decade were engaged in illegal activities like poaching, narcotics smuggling and illegal immigration.

He said surveillance of coastal areas is also undertaken through the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) and investigation by Remote Operating Station (ROS) and Remote Operating Centres (ROCs).

Elaborating on initiatives to strengthen coastal security, MoS Seth said the ICG deploys 18-20 ships, 30-35 crafts and 10-12 aircraft for daily surveillance.

The ICG used Rs 12,201 crore towards acquisition of ships and aircraft and utilised Rs 1,583.8 crore for CSN (Pan India), said the MoS.

"The ICG assets ensure maritime law enforcement to strengthen coastal security and maintain rule-based order at sea. Surveillance efforts also focus on the Offshore Development Area (ODA) and seas adjoining the Island groups (Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep)," he said.

During the last 10 years, ICG 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 3,645 Joint Coastal Patrol Sorties, said Seth.

For guarding the country, Coastal Security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Coastal States/Union Territories have been promulgated, he said.

These SOPs highlight the responsibility of various stakeholder agencies, conduct of operations and response management for various coastal security States, he said.

The MoS said the ICG also conducts regular Community Interaction Programmes involving fisher folks to discuss maritime safety and security.

He said fishermen watch groups have been created by States for reporting any suspicious activities along the coast.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Impressive numbers! The Coast Guard deserves more recognition for protecting our waters 24/7. That toll-free number is a great initiative too - makes it easier for fishermen to report suspicious activity. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the efforts, I wonder if the budget allocation is sufficient? ₹12,201 crore over 10 years seems low compared to other defense spending. Our coastal security deserves more investment given how vital sea routes are.
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Arjun S.
The community interaction programs with fisherfolk are brilliant! Local knowledge + tech surveillance = unbeatable combo. More power to our Coast Guard!
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Neha P.
Those boarding operation numbers are staggering - 300,000+ in 10 years! Can't imagine how challenging their job must be. Respect ✊
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Vikram J.
Good to see focus on Andaman & Lakshadweep too. These islands are strategically important but often forgotten. The Coast Guard's work there is crucial for national security.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Indian Coast Guard Maritime Security Coastal Surveillance Sanjay Seth Illegal Immigration Narcotics Smuggling
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