Illegal Entry in Indian Waters: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has caught 1,683 people and seized 179 boats in the last 10 years for illegally entering Indian waters. These boats were involved in crimes like illegal fishing, drug smuggling, and unauthorized entry into the country.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth shared this information in the Lok Sabha on Friday. He said the ICG has strengthened India’s coastal security by sending 18-20 ships, 30-35 small boats, and 10-12 aircraft every day to patrol the seas.
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“ICG assets ensure maritime law enforcement to strengthen coastal security and maintain a rule-based order at sea. Surveillance efforts also focus on the Offshore Development Area (ODA) and seas adjoining Island groups (Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep). Coastal areas are monitored through the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN), while investigations are conducted by Remote Operating Stations (ROS) and Remote Operating Centres (ROCs),” the minister said in his reply.
To track suspicious activities, the ICG uses a Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN). Special teams at Remote Operating Stations (ROS) and Remote Operating Centres (ROCs) investigate any threats.
In the last decade, the ICG has carried out:
- 3,00,296 boarding operations for deterrence and to establish the identity of personnel
- 153 coastal security exercises
- 451 coastal security operations
- 458 security drills
- 3,645 joint coastal patrol sorties
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The ICG regularly talks to fishing communities about safety and security at sea. According to The Statesman, fisherfolk can report emergencies by calling the toll-free number 1554. Many states have also formed fishermen watch groups to alert authorities about any suspicious activities near the coast.
“Surveillance of coastal areas through Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) and investigation by Remote Operating Station (ROS) and Remote Operating Centres (ROCs) are undertaken,” Seth added.
