India needs round-the-clock coastal security: ICG DG

VISAKHAPATNAM: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) director general Rajendra Singh said the changed security scenario dictates the need for round-the-clock coastal security and that the coast guards play a major role in protecting the wide ranging maritime interests of the nation.
After commissioning ICGS Rani Gaidinliu here at the coast guard jetty on Wednesday, Singh said since its inception in 1977, the coast guard fleet has steadily grown to the present level of 122 ships and 62 aircraft besides major surface platforms.Now, the fleet includes fast and inshore patrol vessels and interceptor boats for close coast patrol and expeditious interception of suspect vessels in the country's territorial waters. The fast patrol vessel that was commissioned on Wednesday is named after famous Naga spiritual and political leader of Heraka cult of Manipur Rani Gaidinliu, who was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment by the British rulers. She was released in 1947 and continued her work for the upliftment of people.
The DG said the ship primarily focuses on surveillance at sea, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling operations, protection of fishermen apart from the routine search and rescue operations. He said his men saved 356 lives last year in search and rescue efforts and also provided medical evacuation of 29 merchant mariners.
The ship will have five officers and 34 men and is captained by commandant Ramesh V Talke. The ship would be based at Krishnapatnam. The 51 meters length ship with a maximum speed of 34 knots is the fourth past patrol vessel among the five vessels built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL).
Deputy CM of Manipur Gaikhangam Gangmei, former deputy CM Thounaojam Chaoba Singh and Adim Pamei, one of the leaders of the same tribe of Rani Gaidinliu were also present at the occasion as well as city police commissioner T Yoganand and principal commissioner customs C Rajendiran.