Coast Guard enhances surveillance along K’taka coast

TNN | Updated: Apr 13, 2020, 12:17 IST

MANGALURU: Indian Coast Guard district headquarters 3, Panambur, has enhanced surveillance along the coastline of Karnataka. The Coast Guard has tasked its two offshore patrol vessels (OPV) to conduct prolonged and extensive surveillance along the coastline to patrolling of the exclusive economic zone. In addition, interceptor boats (IB) and interceptor crafts (IC) are being deployed for patrolling near the coastline, up to Kasaragod in the south and off Karwar in the north.
DIG S B Venkatesh, commander, Coast Guard Karnataka, said these operations are necessary for ensuring foolproof security of the uninhabited islands, as well as preventing any unwarranted landings on the shoreline, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. “We are taking every measure possible out at sea, to ensure that the district administrations in Karnataka carry out their duty of keeping the pandemic under check on land,” he said.
Hovercrafts have been deployed to carry out patrolling near the coast. They facilitate smooth execution of search and rescue operations, and provide security cover over land and riverine routes. The OPVs, with smaller interceptor boats and interceptor crafts, are continuously conducting seaward patrolling. The Coast Guard is also maintaining electronic surveillance through the coastal security network system.
The air enclave of Coast Guard too will be deployed in case of an emergency, he said, adding the Airports Authority of India, that maintains the old airport at Bajpe, has assured assistance for such operations. The Coast Guard last few a sortie of a Dornier aircraft on March 23 from its air enclave, Venkatesh said, adding it will now have to step up its vigil at sea, given that the government has permitted fishing, by fishermen on country boats.