With maritime security becoming important in the wake of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the Parliament Standing Committee on Defence has expressed concern over depleting budget of the Coast Guard entrusted with securing the 7,516 km long coast line and 2.3 million square km of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The parliamentary panel asked the Government to take immediate steps to provide adequate funds to the force to procure off shore vessels, aircraft and helicopters.
Terrorists had sneaked into Mumbai in 2008 through the sea route thereby raising questions about the State of preparedness to guard the coast line and sea lanes. The Government had then asked the Navy to play the lead role in ensuring maritime security in collaboration with the Coast Guard and at least 12 more stake holders including customs, port authorities and local police of nine littoral States.
In this backdrop, the parliamentary panel in its report on Demand for Grants (2017-18) tabled in Parliament recently noted that budget of Coast Guard was declining every year. For the year 2017-18, the Coast Guard had projected Rs 7,019.55 crore but only Rs 4,029.79 crores were
allocated.
Under the capital head for procuring weapon systems, the force had projected for Rs 4,805 crore but got only Rs 2,200 crore which is approximately 54 per cent less than the required amount, the report said. Similarly, the revenue projection was Rs 2,214.55 croe but the Coast Guard got only Rs 1,829.79 crore.
Observing that the Coast Guard needs more funds to buy ships, aircraft and helicopters, the Standing Committee said “the issue should be taken with all seriousness” as it directly affects the security of the nation. The force should get all the budgetary support to guard and search operations “to avoid recurrence of incidents like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks,” the panel remarked.
Apart from security the coast lines, EEZ and responsible for search and rescue operations in 4.6 million square kms area, the Coast Guard also has to provide security to off shore installations, assistance in collection of scientific data, safety of life and property at sea, assist Customs in anti-smuggling operations, prevention and control of marine pollution and assistance to fishermen in distress.
Reviewing the modernisation plan, the parliamentary panel said as per 12th plan(2012-17) the Coast Guard was to acquire 208 ships, interceptor boats and hovercrafts. However, till January this year, it was able to acquire only 126 assets. During the same plan period, the Coast Guard envisaged 100 aircraft (fixed wing) and helicopters, but was able to procure only 62 platforms.
The Defence Ministry informed that 72 surface platforms (ships) were under construction at various shipyards and a contract for acquiring 30 aircraft by March this year was given. The panel asked the Government to acquire the desired number of ships and aircraft in a time bound manner and the Standing Committee be informed about the progress or delays.