There has also been increased surveillance along the eastern and western coastlines of India due to new maritime security inputs that have been received by the central and state administrations. This comes at a time there have been fears of possible attempts at infiltrating and using the seas for criminal activities by anti-national elements.
The Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Coastal Police, and intelligence agencies are reportedly cooperating with each other very closely, according to government reports, so that there is no lack of vigilance even during nighttime hours. The Indian government has placed radars and coast monitoring systems under close tracking so that there is no detection of any suspicious activity by the sea-borne terrorists.
Security agencies have reported that the recent intelligence reports show the possibility of illegal actions being facilitated through sea routes, especially in areas with high concentrations of fishing traffic and sea traffic. As a result of this, the security forces have heightened the random checks on fishing boats, small boats, and coastal infrastructure such as ports and landing stages.
Along the Western coastline, in more vulnerable areas, more Coast Guard ships have also been stationed to boost maritime patrols. Night-time surveillance has also been increased through the use of speedboats and night vision goggles. In the Eastern coastline, joint patrols by the Coast Guard and state maritime police have also been activated to cover vulnerable pockets.
According to officials, the coastal radar chain and the Automatic Identification Systems are under close surveillance to detect ships that go out of the way or those which are not properly identified. An unidentified or suspected ship will immediately be intercepted and inspected as per the standard procedure. Fishing communities have also been asked to collaborate with the security forces and report any unusual sighting on the sea.
Ports and harbor facilities have been put on a higher level of alert, with entry and exit points further scrutinized. There has also been further screening of cargo, vessel, and harbor staff by security forces to avoid unauthorized entry. Mock drills at some sites have also been done to check readiness in event of a maritime security event.
Experts on maritime security report that the heightened vigilance is a measure that reflects the lessons learned from previous occurrences, where the weaknesses in the lack of coastal vigilance were exploited. Over the years, India has significantly invested in the development of its coastal security framework through the development of coastal surveillance systems, enhanced communication, and increased levels of coordination. Yet the length and the quantum of maritime activities still pose a significant challenge.
The state governments have been advised to ensure that the coastal police stations are adequately manned and equipped. Special attention is being given to intelligence sharing between the concerned national agencies and the local bodies so that prompt action is taken on the local inputs that reach them. The plans for responding to emergencies like the possibility of infiltration, maritime incidents, or breaches in maritime security are also being assessed.
Meanwhile, fishermen have been advised to possess valid identity documents and to keep their tracking devices for their boats turned on at all times. Education campaigns are also being held in coastal villages to inform people on the necessary reporting channels as well as the importance of maritime awareness as a communal responsibility.
It was emphasized that the intensified surveillance efforts are preventive and that the move is a necessary means for the government to ensure national and public security. There has been no particular incident that was revealed as necessitating the heightened surveillance activity. With the coastal surveillance still at a heightened level, the security forces are on their toes as they closely monitor the developments. The authorities have reassured the public that all the right measures are being taken to secure the coast of India and have asked the coastal population to be vigilant.
