Navy validates security infra at ports, reviews coastal safety
A two-day coastal defence exercise was conducted on Jan 12, 13
Visakhapatnam: A high level exercise undertaken by the Indian Navy has validated the technical surveillance infrastructure called the National Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (NC3I) Network.
The Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) at Gurugram and its various nodes across Indian Navy and Coast Guard stations were exercised for coordinating the surveillance and information dissemination mechanism. The envisaged objectives of the exercise were met by the whole-hearted participation of all stakeholders, a naval release stated here. Visakhapatnam is the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command. Another naval base is coming up near Rambilli and Atchutapuram, about 50 km from here.
The cooperation and coordination amongst various agencies involved is a reassuring sign of progress made in the realm of coastal defence and the exercise would go a long way in enhancing coastal defence and national security in the maritime domain, the release stated. The security at the ports, which play a pivotal role in promoting trade and commerce, were reviewed during the exercise.
According to Indian Ports Association (IPA), a society which fosters the growth of major ports under the supervision of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, 12 major ports under the government sector which include Visakhapatnam in Andhra and Paradip in Odisha handled 477.75 million tonne during the three quarters that ended on December 31, 2020.
There was a decline by 8.80% year-on-year mainly due to dislocation caused by the Coronavirus pandemic and prolonged slowdown in the economy.
The Indian Navy has been conducting periodical reviews on coastal security which has been put on high alert after the Mumbai Terror Attack. At one point of time, there was a proposal to relocate the fishing harbour here to Bheemunipatnam, about 30 km away, as part of a precautionary measure. The Exercise Sea Vigil, a two-day coastal defence exercise was conducted on January 12 and 13.
The conceptual and geographical expanse of Sea Vigil included the entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the country and contingencies from peace to war-time were exercised. In addition, mitigation measures, on shore, in case of any breach in coastal security was also validated.
The exercise involved deployment of the entire coastal security apparatus and over 110 surface assets of Indian Navy and Coast Guard (CG) participated. A large number of Marine Police and Customs assets were also deployed. The entire coastline was kept under surveillance by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard aircraft, and helicopters were also pressed into service to reinforce special operations personnel operating onboard offshore platforms.
As ports form the nerve centre of sea-borne trade, security mechanisms of the ports were validated. The crisis management plans of all ports were assessed for their effectiveness to tackle emergencies. The State Police teams, Indian Navy Marine Commandos and Commandos from National Security Guard were exercised to tackle acts of maritime terrorism.
