Panaji; Nov.6, 2014 …. The Governor of Goa, Smt. Mridula Sinha has said that Coastal security has emerged as a critical area of concern in the overall national security scenario, which should receive deep concern, serious dialogue and constant and focused surveillance and attention. India has a long coast line of about 7,500 kms. which needs to be vigilantly guarded, protected and saved from any intrusion, interference and attack on the vital installations on the shore.
Smt. Sinha was speaking as chief guest at the function of commissioning of ships ‘Amartya and Amal and C-410, for Indian Coast Guard at a function held today at Mormugao Port Trust. The function was organized by The Indian Coast Guards.
The Governor further speaking asserted that the Coast Guard units and men are actively engaged in providing 24 x 7security in our vast Exclusive Economic Zone. Their role in undertaking various missions such as search and rescue, anti- poaching operations, rendering assistance to mariners and fisher folk in distress, medical evacuation and marine environment protection has been remarkable and well recognized amongst the international and national maritime fraternity.
The Governor also said that apart from Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard shoulders a heavy responsibility in this regard. We should have technologically advanced logistics and well trained intelligent and ever-vigilant manpower to protect our coastal areas. She said we cannot at any cost allow and tolerate incidents like the Mumbai terrorist attack. She appealed to the Indian Coast Guard to discharge their duties and responsibilities in the best interest of national security and unity. Tourism industry in Goa is growing at fast pace. With asymmetric threat ever looming large, security of tourists should be our prime concern she added.
Inspector General, Shri S.P.S. Basra, Commander Coast Guard Region (West) in his welcome address maritime security scenario around us demands manifold increase in surveillance for safety of our maritime assets. India by its unique position in the globe is also bestowed with various of threats and thus there is a necessity to brace up our security mechanism in general and maritime security in particular.
Thereafter Smt. Sinha commissioned all three vessels. Dr. Ramkripal Sinha spouse of Governor, Shri Sammuel Mathews Secretary Sports, Officers of Navy , Coast Guards were also present at the function.
The Features of ICGS Amartya and Amal are, these ships have been designed and built by M/S Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and can achieve maximum speed of 30kts. Both these vessels have stretch of 50mtrs. and has 290 tonnes displacement. These ships are capable of undertaking multifarious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and Rescue and medical evacuation and has a compliment of 05 Officers and 34 enrolled personnel each. Amal and Amartya are armed with second to none state of art navigational and communication equipment and medium range armament.
Whereas ICGS C-410 is designed and built by M/s Larson & Turbo, Surat is a water jet propelled high speed interceptor Boat with 27.6mtrs stretch,106 tons displacement and can achieve maximum speed of 45kts.It is capable of undertakings shallow water operations like enforcing maritime law and enhancing coastal security close to