Efforts on to double Coast Guard capacity

KOCHI: The vulnerability of Indian waters poses challenges to security and also has an impact on the economic growth of the country, Defence Minister A K Antony has said. He was speaking at the Coast Guard Investiture Ceremony at the Coast Guard District Headquarters in Fort Kochi on Wednesday.“Peace and security have a direct relation with trade and economy. Post 26/11, the government has paid particular attention to enhance the coastal security and strengthening the capacity of the Coast Guard,” he said, and  added that efforts are on to doubling the capacity of Coast Guard. “Ship construction and aircraft production are time-consuming processes. The Coast Guard has 68 ships and boats and 52 aircraft. We are trying our best to ensure these capacities are nearly doubled in a few years,” he said.The Centre has approved setting up of 18 coastal police stations in two phases in Kerala to strengthen coastal security, he said, and added these would be equipped with fast interceptor boats and function on the concept of ‘Hub and Spoke’.Hands over Prez MedalsEarlier on arrival, the Defence Minister inspected a Guard of Honour. He presented the President’s Tatrakshak Medals (PTM) to 3 officers and Tatrakshak Medals (TM) to 27 officials.  Among the medal winners were Inspector-General K Natarajan Deputy Director General (Policy and Plans) of Coast Guard and DIG TKS Chandran, Commander of Coast Guard District No 4.