13

STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE

(2011-2012)

(FIFTEENTH LOK SABHA)

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

PERFORMANCE OF COAST GUARD ORGANISATION

THIRTEENTH REPORT

LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT

NEW DELHI

December, 2011/ Agrahayana, 1933 (Saka)

1
 THIRTEENTH REPORT

STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE

(2011-2012)

(FIFTEENTH LOK SABHA)

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

PERFORMANCE OF COAST GUARD ORGANISATION

Presented to Lok Sabha on 8 December, 2011

Laid in Rajya Sabha on 8 December, 2011

LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT

NEW DELHI

December, 2011/ Agrahayana, 1933 (Saka)

2
 CONTENTS

PAGES

CHAPTER I Introductory 7

CHAPTER - II Organizational Structure 9

CHAPTER III The Enhanced Role of Coast Guard Organisation 10

and the Long Term Planning to Meet the added challenges

CHAPTER IV Infrastrucutre 17

CHAPTER V Force Level 21

CHAPTER VI Fishing Community Eyes and Ears of Coast Guard 29

CHAPTER VII Disaster Management 31

CHAPTER VIII Protection of Marine Environment 33

CHAPTER IX Manpower & Training 37

CHAPTER X Coordination amongst various Agencies at Sea 41

CHAPTER XI Anti Piracy 44

CHAPTER XII International Obligations 46

PART-II

Observations/Recommendations ... 48

ANNEXURES ... 70

Minutes of the sittings of the Committee 76

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 COMPOSITION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE (2011-12)

Shri Satpal Maharaj - Chairman

Lok Sabha

2. Shri Kamal Kishor `Commando

3. Shri Harish Choudhary
4. Shri Varun Gandhi
5. Shri Sher Singh Ghubaya
6. Shri Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi
7. Shri Bhaskarrao Patil Khatgaonkar
8. Shri Ajay Kumar
9. Shri Mithilesh Kumar
10. Shri Sadashivrao Dadoba Mandlik
11. Shri Asaduddin Owaisi
12. Shri A.T. Nana Patil
13. Shri C.R. Patil
14. Shri Amarnath Pradhan
15. Shri Kadir Rana
16. Shri Adhalrao Patil Shivaji
17. Shri Mahabali Singh
18. Rajkumari Ratna Singh
19. Shri Uday Singh
20. Shri Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy
21. Vacant

Rajya Sabha

22. Shri Munquad Ali

23. Shri Naresh Gujral
24. Shri Avinash Rai Khanna
25. Prof. P.J. Kurien
26. Shri Mukut Mithi
27. Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
28. Shri T.K. Rangarajan
29. Shri M.V. Mysura Reddy
30. Shri Birender Singh
31. Shri Ram Kripal Yadav

Secretariat

1. Shri T.K. Mukherjee - Joint Secretary

2. Smt. Sudesh Luthra - Director

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COMPOSITION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE (2010-11)

Shri Satpal Maharaj - Chairman

Lok Sabha

2. Shri Harish Chaudhary

3. Shri Kamal Kishor Commando
4. Shri H.D. Devegowda
5. Shri Varun Gandhi
6. Dr. Sucharu Ranjan Haldar
7. Shri Kapil Muni Karwariya
8. Shri Bhaskar Rao Patil Khatgaonkar
9. Shri Asaduddin Owaisi
10. Prof. Prasanna Kumar Patasani
11. Shri A.T. Nana Patil
12. Shri C.R. Patil
13. Shri Amarnath Pradhan
14. Shri C. Rajendran
15. Shri J. Ramesh
16. Shri M. Rajamohan Reddy
17. Shri Baju Ban Riyan
18. Shri Kalyan Singh
19. Shri Mahabali Singh
20. Rajkumari Ratna Singh
21. Vacant

Rajya Sabha

22. Shri Munquad Ali

23. Shri Avinash Rai Khanna
24. Prof. P.J. Kurien
25. Shri Mukut Mithi
26. Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
27. Shri T.K. Rangarajan
28. Shri Birender Singh
29. Shri Ram Kripal Yadav
30. Shri M.V. Mysura Reddy
31. Shri Naresh Gujral

5
 INTRODUCTION

I, the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Defence (2011-12), having been

authorised by the Committee to present the Report on their behalf, present this Thirteenth
report on `Performance of Coast Guard Organization.
2. The Committee took evidence of the representatives of the Ministry of Defence and
Coast Guard Organization on 21st October 2010.

3. The Draft Report was considered and adopted by the Committee at their sitting
held on 4 November 2011.
4. The Committee wish to express their thanks to the officers of the Ministry of
Defence and Coast Guard Organization for appearing before the Committee and
furnishing the material and information which the Committee desired in connection with
the examination of the subject.

5. The Committee thank their predecessor Committee for taking oral evidence and
obtaining information on the subject.

6. The Committee wish to express their thanks to Adm(Retd) RH Tahiliani, PVSM,

AVSM and VAdm (Retd) VA Kamath, PVSM for furnishing valuable material and
information in connection with the examination of this subject
7. For facility of reference and convenience, the recommendations/ observations of
the Committee have been printed in bold letters in Part-II of the report.

NEW DELHI; SATPAL MAHARAJ,

7 December, 2011 Chairman,
16 Agrahayana, 1933 (Saka) Standing Committee on Defence

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 REPORT

INTRODUCTORY

Ever since the 1960s, the Navy had been requesting the Government of India for
setting up an auxiliary service for Maritime Law Enforcement and undertaking Safety and
Security Tasks in the Indian Waters. The United Nation Convention on the Law of the
Sea (UNCLOS) in 1972, which awarded Exclusive Economic Zone for all coastal States
further boosted the rationale for the institution of a Coast Guard. Consequently, a
Committee set up by the Government of India in 1974 recommended for setting up of a
separate Coast Guard Organization. In the light of the aforesaid developments the
Indian Coast Guard was constituted as an armed force of the union by an Act of
Parliament on August 18, 1978 (Act No. 30 of 1978) to undertake predominantly peace
time tasks of ensuring the security of the maritime Zones of India. Hence the Indian
Coast Guard is entrusted with peace time tasks in the sea areas of responsibility of 2.01
million sq km and 3.9 million sq km of Indian Search and Rescue Region.

2. Section 14 of the Coast Guard Act, 1978 specifies the duties and functions of the
service mandating adoption of appropriate measures for specific tasks as per the said
Act. The tasks entrusted include safety and protection of artificial islands and offshore
terminals, installation and devices, protection and assistance to fishermen at sea,
preservation and protection of marine environment, prevention and control of marine
pollution, assistance to customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations and
enforcement of enactment being in force in the maritime zones.

3. Coastal security has been on the centre stage post terror attack on Mumbai on
26 November, 2008. The use of sea route by terrorists for attacks on Mumbai has
highlighted the vulnerability of our coastline and the existing security mechanism. With
a view to enhance the coastal security mechanism after the attack of 26/11, Cabinet
Committee on Security (CSS) in the meeting held on 16 th February, 2009 has approved
various steps to be taken by the Indian Coast Guard. Indian Coast Guard has been
additionally designated as the authority responsible for coastal security in territorial
waters and the Director-General, Coast Guard has been designated as Commander

7
Coastal Security responsible for overall coordination between Central and State
agencies in all matters relating to coastal security. The main thrust given in the
directives is to enhance surveillance in territorial waters by all agencies which include
Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Customs and other State and Central
agencies.

4. The Committee while taking note of the multiplicity of the assigned tasks of the
Coast Guard Organisation have analysed the effective steps being taken/proposed to be
taken to upgrade the infrastructure, force levels, manpower etc. to meet the challenges
particularly in the post 26/11 scenario and made various recommendations/observations
in Part II of the Report.

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 CHAPTER-II

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

5. The Coast G u ard operates from i ts Headquarter located a t New Delhi.

The field functions are executed by the four Regional Headquarters located at
Mumbai, Chennai, Gandhi Nagar a n d P o r t Bl air. Under these Regional
Headquarters there are 12 District Headquarters, located along the coastal
States of India.

6. When the attention of the Ministry was drawn to non-existence of regional

headquarter on the North Eastern Coastal Border, the Ministry in the written note has
stated as under :-

The maritime State of Orissa and West Bengal are located adjacent to
Bangladesh. Of late, there has been large number of refugee influx and
anti- national activities in this area. The sea area adjoining these two
maritime States is rich in marine biotic resources. Consequently, this
area has witnessed increased poaching by the neighbouring countries
(Bangladesh, Burma and Thailand). Also, the coast of Orissa is known
for nesting of endangered species of Olive Ridley Turtle, which needs
to be protected. Further, the Sand Heads approach in river Hooghly is
the gateway to the ports of Kolkata handling large amount of import-
export trade. This being the restricted water, there i s persistent risk of oil
pollution and requires constant monitoring b y Coast Guard. Also, there i s
large exploration activity being undertaken in sea adjoining West
Bengal/Orissa.

7. When specifically asked about the need to establish a new Regional

Headquarter, the Ministry has acknowledged the need and stated that to protect
the environment and safety of life and property, there is inescapable need of
establishing Regional Headquarters (North-East) and the case for Regional
Headquarters (North East) along with co-located station at Kolkata has been
approved by Government on 30 August, 2010. It is planned to set up the Headquarters
by March 2012.

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 CHAPTER-III

THE ENHANCED ROLE OF COAST GUARD ORGANISATION AND THE LONG

TERM PLANNING TO MEET THE ADDED CHALLENGES

8. The Committee have been informed that the role of the Indian Coast Guard has
increased substantially over the years owing to the changes in Maritime scenario and
incidents at sea. In the changing scenario, the Indian Coast Guard has been entrusted
with the added responsibilities in addition to the mandate as laid down under Section 14
of Coast Guard Act, 1978. As per the written note furnished by the Ministry, the Indian
Coast Guard has been entrusted the following lead roles:-

Offshore Security Coordination Committee

The Director General, Indian Coast Guard is the Chairman of Offshore
Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) constituted by the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). The terms of reference of the
Committee are, implementation of security policies, threat assessment a n d
task assignment, preparing contingency plans and executing them when
necessary for offshore security.

National Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Authority

The responsibilities of National Maritime Search and Rescue have been

entrusted to the Indian Coast Guard on Indias accession to SAR
Convention 1979. To coordinate national SAR objectives in accordance
with the provisions of the International Conventions, a National Maritime
Search and Rescue Board was constituted by the Ministry of Shipping,
Road Transport and Highways on 28 Jan 2002 with the Director General,
Indian Coast Guard as the National Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating
Authority(NMSARCA).

Lead Intelligence Agency for Coastal and Sea Borders

The Indian Coast Guard has been entrusted with the duties of Lead
Intelligence Agency (LIA) for the coastal sea borders commencing July
2003, by MHA with concurrence of MoD, vide GoI F.No. 1/18/02-BM-IV dated
22 Sep 2003, for the purpose of generating, coordinating and sharing
the intelligence with agencies concerned including the Central
Government. The LIA primarily functions as a coordinating intelligence body
and provides a forum for close interaction and sharing of intelligence among all
intelligence agencies, both at the State and Center levels operating in a

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 given area. This intelligence is concerning the S tate as well as the
C entre. The concept of forming of LIA of the Coast Guard is on lines of the
Hub and Spoke. The inputs received are analysed by the Intelligence
Officer , and shared as well as acted upon for timely response. The need
for monitoring and follow up is carried out thereafter.

Coastal Security

With a view to enhance the coastal security mechanism after the attack of
26/11, various steps have been taken by different Organisations/
Departments toward strengthening the Coastal Security. The Indian
Coast Guard has been additionally designated as the authority responsible
for coastal security in territorial waters and the Director General, Indian
Coast Guard has been designated as Commander Coastal Command,
responsible for overall coordination between Central and State agencies
in all matters relating to coastal security. The thrust given in the directives
is to enhance surveillance in territorial waters by all agencies which include
Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Customs and other State
and Central agencies.

9. When enquired about the details of the Maritime Zones that the Coast
Guard of India has to protect and the limit of territorial water, Contiguous Zone
and Exclusive Economic Zone which falls under the jurisdiction of Coast
Guard, the Ministry has elaborated as under :-

Territorial Waters The sovereignty of India extends and has always

extended to the territorial waters of India and to the sea bed and sub soil
underlying and the air space over such waters. The limit of the territorial
water is the line, every point of which is at a distance of 12 nautical miles
from the base line. The Central Government may whenever it
considers necessary to do so having regard to International Law and State
practice, alter, by notification in the Official Gazette, the limit of the
territorial waters.

Contiguous Zone The contiguous zone of India is an area beyond

and adjacent to the territorial waters and the limit of the contiguous is the line
every point of which is at a distance of 24 nautical miles from the nearest
point of the baseline.

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) The EEZ of India is an area beyond

and adjacent to the territorial waters and the limit of such zone is 200
nautical miles from the baseline.

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The long term planning for Coast Guard Organization

10. The Committee have been informed that the l ong term planning for Coast
Guard Organization is being made since inception. The latest such plan is
called Coast Guard Perspective Plan 2007-22, with an outlay of Rs. 49,377.33
c r o r e which is under revision post 26/11.

11. When asked over the expenditure that would be involved in the envisaged
upgradation of Indian Coast Guard force levels during its Perspective Plan 2007-2022,
the Ministry in its written reply has stated as under:-

The proposed Coast Guard Perspective Plan 2007-22 initially had a total
outlay of Rs. 49377.33 Cr (Revenue - Rs. 16,592.56 Cr & Capital
Rs.32,784.77 Cr). Post 26/11, it was decided to consider revision of CGDP
XI and the revised XIth CGDP has been approved with an outlay of Rs.
7930.22 Cr. As we are closer to the end of CGDP (2007-12) and also that
CGDP (2012-17) is likely to be promulgated, it was decided to ensure a
comprehensive CGPP 2012-27 instead of revising the CGPP 2007-22.
Therefore, the envisaged expenditure involved in the upgradation of
ICG force levels during CGPP 2007-22 shall have no relevance at this
stage.

12. The Ministry has further added that Coast Guard Perspective Plan 2012-2027 is
under formulation on the basis of the broad guidelines which include Coast Guard
operational deployment plan vis--vis statutory duties, current threat perception and
national security scenario, infrastructure support facility requirement for optimum
utilization of Operational assets and manpower requirement.

13. When specifically asked about the deadlines of the proposed upgradation, the
Committee have been apprised that the deadlines for the upgradation would be made on
approval of the Coast Guard Perspective Plan 2012-2027.

14. When enquired about the outlay earmarked for the proposed upgradation and
new acquisitions during Eleventh Plan, the Committee have been apprised as under:-

The original XIth Plan which was approved by the MoF had an outlay of Rs.
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 7000 crore. However, on revision of same as per the directives and new
guidelines of MoF, the revised CGDP has been approved with a total outlay
of Rs. 7930.22 crore (Revenue Rs. 3268.457 crore & Capital Rs.
4661.766 crore). The approved figures are purely indicative and annual
allocation would depend on resource availability, appraised needs of the
organization and the pace of utilization of allocated funds.

15. When further asked about the preparation of the Ministry/Coast Guard for the
coming Twelfth Plan, the Ministry in the written note has submitted as under :-

The Coast Guard Twelfth Plan will be formulated by September, 2011 after
considering the progress made in materialization of projects as proposed in
revised Eleventh Plan. However, the same will be formulated after finalization
of CGPP 2012-27 during early 2011, considering the progress made in
materialization projects as proposed in Eleventh Plan.

16. The Committee have been informed that Coastal Security Plan Phase-I and
Phase-II have been planned to augment the coastal security. The details of Coastal
Security Plan Phase-I and Phase-II as informed by the Ministry in the written note are as
under:-

Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) Phase-I

Based on the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on Reforming the
National Security System, a comprehensive and integrated Coastal Security
Scheme (CSS) was formulated in consultations with all agencies
concerned, such as Navy, Coast Guard and nine Coastal States/four Union
Territories. The CSS had the objective of strengthening infrastructure of
Marine Police Force for patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas, particularly
in shallow water areas close to the coast. The scheme also aimed at
establishing institutional arrangements at State and District levels for
coordination among various agencies including the Coast Guard and the
Navy.

The CSS Phase-I was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security

in January 2005 for implementation over 5 years starting from 2005-06.
However, date of completion of CSS Phase-I had been extended by one
year i.e. till Mar 2011.

The scheme provides for setting up of 73 Coastal Police Stations, 97

13
 check posts, 58 outposts and 30 operational barracks, and to equip them
with 204 boats,153 jeeps and 312 motorcycles for mobility on the coast
and in close coastal waters. A lump sum assistance of Rs.10 lakh per
Police Station is also given for equipment, computers and furniture. Under
the scheme, manpower for the Marine Police personnel including technical
crew for the boats is provided by the States and UTs. However,
Government of India provides funds for meeting training requirements
of the Marine Police personnel. The implementation of this scheme is being
carried out by Coastal State Governments/UT Administrations concerned.
(Reply 1, Q. 45, P-58)

Coastal Security Scheme Phase-II

Consequent to the Mumbai incident on 26/11, the entire coastal security

scenario of the country has been subjected to multi-level inter-ministerial
review by the Government of India and several important
decisions/initiatives have been taken. The Ministry of Home Affairs was
tasked to formulate Phase-II of the Coastal Security Scheme in order to fill
the gaps in creating fool proof coastal patrolling along the Indian coastline.
Accordingly, the Coastal States/UTs were asked to undertake an exercise to
identify the vulnerable gaps in consultation with the Coast Guard. On the
basis of the vulnerability/gap analysis, the future projections were
submitted to MHA for formulation of a comprehensive proposal to be known
as Phase-II of the Coastal Security Scheme. The Coast Guard were also
asked t o work out in consultation with the States, additional requirement of
boats to be incorporated in the Phase-II. Based on the inputs received
from the Coast Guard and coastal States/UTs, as well as on the
discussions/ consultations in several high level meetings, the Coastal
Security Scheme (Phase-II) has been formulated. CSS Phase-II includes 131
Coastal Police Stations, 180 boats, 10 large vessels for Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, 60 jetties for berthing the boats, 276 four wheelers and
607 motor cycles.

The Coastal Security Scheme (Phase-II) will be implemented over a period

of five years starting from 2010-11, by nine Coastal States and four Union
territories.

With regard to financial implication for phase-II, the Committee have been
apprised that Phase-II is being implemented by MHA and is yet to be
approved by CCS.

17. When enquired about the reasons for extension of CSS Phase-I by one year, the
Committee have been informed that the Coastal Security Scheme is being implemented

14
by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 9 Coastal States and 4 Coastal Union Territories
Owing to several reasons such as identification, site selection and acquisition of land by
Coastal States/UTs, price negotiation for interceptor boats etc., the progress of the
scheme has been behind the schedule. Accordingly, extension of ongoing Coastal
Security Scheme by one year, as requested by MHA, was accorded.

18. Coast Guard has further added that the physical progress of CSS Phase I is being
monitored by the ICG. The physical progress of Phase-I as informed to the Committee is
as under :-

Ser Sanctioned Made Construction Construction Construction

buildings Operational completed in progress not yet
started
(a) Coastal Police 71 48 11 14
Stations (73)
(b) Check Posts (97) 92 75 09 13
(c) Outposts (58) 54 54 02 02
(d) Barracks (30) 28 22 -- 08

ALLOCATION AND UTILIZATION OF OUTLAY DURING TENTH AND ELEVENTH

PLANS AND PREPARATION FOR TWELFTH PLAN

19. The details regarding year wise allocation and utilization during Tenth and
Eleventh Plans, proposed costs and the expenditure position of the outlay earmarked
during each year of the Eleventh Plan have been given at Appendix I and II respectively.

20. The analysis of Appendix I reveals that under the Capital Head, Project cost is
Rs. 20134.901 crore, out of which the expenditure during Eleventh Plan so far is
Rs. 5293.093 crore and Rs. 12855.982 crore would be carried forward to Twelfth Plan.
Out of the total likely expenditure under capital head to the tune of Rs. 5293.093 crore,
the expenditure on new schemes is Rs. 2631.270 crore i.e. almost fifty per cent of the
total expenditure. The remaining allocation is mostly used for committed liabilities,
replacement schemes and civil works.

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21. With regard to the status of utilisation of outlay as given at Appendix II during
the first three years of Elevnth Plan, the data furnished by the Ministry indicates that
under the Capital Head out of the outlay of Rs. 1916.71 crore, Rs. 1667.86 crore has
been utilised, hence, the underspending being Rs. 249.85 crore.

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 CHAPTER-IV
INFRASTRUCUTRE

22. With regard to the present infrastructure needs of t h e Indian Coast

Guard and places where infrastructure need to be augmented, the
Ministry in its written reply has stated as under:-

In general, the infrastructure requirement of ICG is broadly classified into

three categories viz. -

Land for construction of OTM and married accommodation for the

existing and newly sanctioned CG Stations, CG Air Enclaves and Air
Stations.
Creation of Operational Infrastructure facilities to accommodate the
augmented force levels - berthing facilities, water front for ships,
runway, Hangars, link taxi track for Air Stations/Air Enclaves.
General Infrastructure like OTM/married accommodation, training
facilities, sports and recreation facilities, etc; for all CG Units.

23. The Committee during their study tour to Mumbai, Goa, Bangaluru and
Visakhapatnam from 29 June to 04 July, 2011 have observed that keeping current
security scenario into consideration, Coast Guard force level is being enhanced at a
much faster rate. Towards this purpose the Coast Guard requires infrastructural facilities
in a larger scale viz, support for berthing place for ship, place for hovercraft operations,
air operations, maintenance facilities, land for creation of operation and communication
centre, admi8nistrative complexes and married accommodation. The present assets with
the Coast Guard are negligible and are on temporary arrangements with other
organizations at most of the places. Respective State Governments, port authorities and
air port authorities are being approached to provide such support.

Coastal Stations

24. On being asked about the total number and location of Coastal Stations
functioning at present and the range being covered by a single station, the total
requirement of Stations for the surveilance and mointoring of 7,500 Kms. of coastal

17
boundary, the Ministry in the written reply has stated as under:-

A total of 27 Indian Coast Guard Stations are presently functioning.. A CG

Station generally covers a range of approximately 75-120 Km on either
side of its location. Keeping in view the long coast line of India and diverse
topography, the present arrangements are considered inadequate for
surveillance and to monitor our coastal boundaries. Cases have been taken
up with the Govt. to enhance these stations to 41 from 27 by 2012.
Further, the Chain of Coastal Surveillance network is also being
established all around the coast. Total of 204 Coastal Police Stations have
also been sanctioned. These Coastal Police Stations will be operating in
the Hub and Spoke concept with the Coast Guard Stations for filling gaps
identified after carrying out vulnerability and gap analysis by the State
Govt/Marine Police of the State along with the Indian Coast Guard. In
addition, the Indian Coast Guard will utilize the collective assets with the
other stakeholders like Customs, Marine Police and Indian Navy.

25. While elaborating on the proposed coast guard station at Gujarat

Coastline, the Ministry in the written note has added as Below :-

Coast Guard Stations a t Vadinar and Veraval have been established on

15 Oct and 17 Dec 09, respectively. Establishment of Coast Guard Station
at Pipavav has been p l a n n e d by 2012. The manpower sanction f o r
these Stations has been accorded by the GoI. Each Station will have atleast
02 Interceptor Boats to meet the operational commitments. Further a Coast
Guard Station at Mundra is envisaged in Revised XI Plan (2007-12). Land
acquisition has been simultaneously progressed. As acquisition of land and
subsequent infrastructure development will require a lead time of 02-03
years, efforts are in hand to hire/outright purchase of buildings for interim
setting up of the planned Stations.

It is considered that the Stations will be sufficient to undertake surveillance

and monitoring of the Gujarat area.

Air Stations, Air Enclaves and Squadrons

26. On the status of Air Station, Air Enclaves and Independent Squadrons and their
location, the Committee during the course of examination have been informed as
under:-
At present, there are 02 Air Stations, 03 Air Enclaves and 03 Independent
Squadrons operating from various strategic locations along the coast. The

18
 locations of these Air Stations/Air Enclaves/Squadrons are placed as
follows:-

Air Stations - Daman and Chennai

Air Enclave - Porbandar, Port Blair and Goa

Independent Air squadrons - 842 Sqn (CG) Mumbai,

747 Sqn(CG) Kochi and
700 Sqn (CG) Kolkata

27. On the proposed plans for increasing Air Stations, Air Enclaves etc. the Ministry in
the written note has added as :-

03 Air Stations (Ratnagiri, Tuticorin & Ulundurpet/Puducherry) and 04 Air

Enclaves (New Mangalore, Kochi, Vizag & Bhubaneshwar) are being
planned for establishment by 2012. By 2012 Coast Guard will have a total
of 05 Air Stations, 07 Air Enclaves, 01 Helibase and 02
Independent Squadrons, which will meet the effective air surveillance
of the entire coast.

Marine Police

28. When enquired about the functioning and operational structure of

Coastal Police, and the detailed co-ordinating mechanism between
Coast Guard and Marine Police, the Ministry has informed as under:-

Under the Coastal Security Scheme Phase-I, 73 Coastal Police Stations

were sanctioned on the mainland and L & M Islands, by the MHA. The
Nine Coastal States and 04 Union Territories have so far
activated 66 Coastal Police Stations.

These Marine Police Stations were activated all along the coastline to fill the
wide gaps. Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned budget under the
scheme for activation of each Coastal Police Station along with necessary
support infrastructure in terms of vehicles, communications and office
equipment. In addition each Coastal Police Station will have 12 ton and 5
ton boats for patrolling. As per SOPs for Coastal Security, these boats
19
 are required to patrol up to 12 NM at sea from the coastline.

These Coastal Police Stations are envisaged to integrate into the hub
and spoke concept with Coast Guard Stations. The Indian Coast Guard
is conducting regular exercises on Coastal Security in coordination with
other Central and State Government agencies to validate the SOPs and
impart valuable field experience to all agencies involved in coastal security,
which includes the Marine Police also. ICG is also conducting ab-initio
training to the Marine Police personnel. So far 1987 police personnel have
been trained by ICG.

Coastal Radar Chain

29. The Ministry has informed that in order to fill the voids and gaps existing in
coastal border a network of coastal radar chain is being implemented all across the
coastline. A total of 46 coastal radar chains are in the process of being started.

20
 CHAPTER-V
FORCE LEVEL

30. The Committee during the course of examination have been apprised that
following aspects have been taken into consideration while progressing to
review the force level in the Indian Coast Guard keeping in view the challenges
faced and envisaged in the changing scenario of maritime safety and
national maritime interest of India:
(a) Coast Guard Perspective Plan (CGPP) 2002-2017,2007-2022.
(b) Coast Guard Development Plans (CGDPs) 2002-2007&2007-
2012.
(c) Perceived threat levels.
(d) Perceived growth plan of the other maritime services.
(e) Advances in technology.
(f) International Maritime Organisation and regulations.
(g) Geo political and Geo strategic situations.
(h) Requirements of mutual support/Jointness.
(i) Economics and carry forwards.
(j) Duties and functions.
(k) Increased areas of responsibility.
(l) Weapons and Sensors.
(m) Perspective, practices, and policies of governance.
(n) Rustomji Committee report.
(o) Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats Analysis.
(p) Cost Vs Benefit Analysis.

Perceived Threat Levels

31. When enquired about the various types of threats that the Indian Coast
Guard h a v e t o f a c e , t h e C o m m i t t e e h a v e b e e n a p p r i s e d t h a t t h r e a t s
a r e i d e n t i f i e d k e e p i n g t h e topography, areas of responsibility, immediate
neighbours, ongoing internal conflicts in the neighborhood, seabed
resources, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, International
Maritime Law, demands from/at sea, influence of the growing superpower, i.e.
China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Iran & Sri Lanka, Choke points, flow of oil
and trade, arc of concern i.e. Cape Comorian to the South edge of the Malacca
Straits, density of traffic and the vastness of the oceans.
21
32. The Ministry has further added that the e x p e c t e d variety of threats are as
follows:
(a) Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs).
(b) Maritime/oil terrorism and transnational ocean crimes including
ocean based insurgency and militant activities.
(c) Gun running/illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
(d) Piracy, vessel jacking, hostage taking and armed robbery.
(e) Pollution, Prevention, Protection a n d Control.
(f) Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR).
(g) Leak of intelligence.
(h) Close quarter traffic.
(i) Narcotics, Hazardous waste, Flagless ships and Slave trade.
(J) Threat to Nuclear & Atomic installations, Offshore & Onshore oil
installations by sabotage, sinking, mines, suicide attacks etc.
(k) Damage to Marine Resources and Environment including
Seabed.
(l) Disaster Management.

33. The C o m mi t t e e h a v e f u r t h e r b e e n i n f o r me d t h a t t h e levels of the

threat perceived are increasing day by day with the growth of hatred, religious
fanaticism, access to weapons of mass destruction, spurt in rogue States,
show of power, uni-polar globe, technological advancement etc. The other
form of threat that is likely to hover is Low Intensity Maritime Operations
(LIMO).

34. With regard to the preparedness of Coast Guard to meet the various
challenges, the Committee have been apprised that the Indian Coast Guard, with
assets that are cost effective are ideally suited to take up these challenges,
provided the Development Plans gets the approval of the Government on time
and the funds envisaged are made available to the Service.

Advances in Technology

35. The Committee during the course of examination have been informed that the
fast paced advancements in the field of computers, satellites,
communications, weapons and sensors along with platforms having speed

22
as well as stealth have redefined the threats. The threat can be countered by
evolving the concepts of domination in the area of jurisdiction as well as
attending to the charter of duties with speed and precision. Huge demands of
patrol crafts can be replaced by the monitoring capabilities of satellite based
Automatic Identification System (AIS) and space based periodic monitoring of
the sea/area of concern. Even mobile platforms can track down the odd man
and inform covertly. The requirement would be only to have force levels to be
tasked as expeditiously, as well as rapid deployment forces. This arrangement
requires state of art shore based units, real time information sharing, and high
level of net working of forces for seamless flow of information.

36. The Ministry while elaborating the use of latest state-of-art technology for
effective surveillance of coastal borders has stated as under :-

The use of space based monitoring, communication, weapons

intercontinental ranges, computer based weapons and sensors along
with their integrated output, sensors capable of penetrating the water
columns, Automatic Direction/Finders, identifiers, covert indicators, advances
in forensic sciences, Remote Controlled Vehicles and aerostats, have
enhanced the stealth as well as sophistication leaps and bounds. The age of
computerisation has related all functioning to time in real sense. The whole
world appears shrunk and instant. These advances have to be evaluated
in all plan projections and this calls for more resource diversion for
technology. With information being power, we can have all inputs at our
place of work on a single desk instantly.

37. The Committee in Sixteenth report on Demands for Grants, 2007-08, 14 th Lok
Sabha (Para No. 9.9) had observed as under :-

The Committee are concerned to note that there are serious shortages in the
force level of Coast Guard. Against the assessed requirement of 154 ships, 93
boats and 105 aircraft, the present force level is only 42 ships, 18 boats and 45
aircrafts. The Committee also note that there is inadequate surveillance
capabilities of Coast Guard in various fields..

23
38. The fleet strength presently held with Indian Coast Guard, as per the
information furnished by the Ministry, is as under-
Ships - 44
Hovercraft (ACVS) - 06
Coastal Surveillance Aircraft (Dornier) - 28
Twin engine Helicopters (ALH) - 04
Single engine Helicopter (Chetak) - 20
IBs - 24

39. So far as the upgradation of Surveillance Capability is concerned, the

following aircraft are planned to be inducted during Eleventh Plan as informed to
the Committee during the course of deliberation:

(i) 12 Dornier aircraft.

40. The final outgo for the above projects of Eleventh Plan is Rs. 1349.75 crore
under the Capital Head.

41. In addition to the aforesaid aircraft the status of the induction of some more
aircraft is as under :-
(i) The RFP issued for procurement of 06 (Six) Multi Mission Maritime Aircraft
(MMMA) has been retracted on 25 April, 2011 with the approval of
competent authority. Fresh RFI has been issued on 14 June 11.

(ii) Case for procurement of 16 Light Helicopters (Twin Engine) has been
approved by DAC on 06 August 10. RFP has been issued on 18 July
2011.

(iii) Case for procurement of 14 Shore Based Helicopters (Twin Engine) has
been approved by DAC on 15 November 2010 and is at RFP stage.

42. The Coast Guard Organisation during the Study Visit of the Standing Committee
on Defence to Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore and Vishakhapat nam from 29 June to 04 July,
2011 requested that following facilities be provided for development of Coast Guard

24
infrastructure at each of the existing port and airport and also such requirements be
catered in all upcoming ports and airports :-

Port Limits

(a) 200 meters of dedicated jetty for unhindered 24x7 CG Operations.

(b) 5-10 acres of seafront land adjacent to jetty for creation of logistics, administration
and technical support complex to support CG operations.
(c) 20-30 acres of land for creation of hoverport.

Outside Port Limits

150-200 acres land for administrative complex, married accommodation and other
allied facilities.

Airports

50-100 acres of land for creating dedicated dispersal, hangers and air operation
support facilities.

43. The Committee during their Study Visit to Goa on 30 June, 2011 inspected the
residential accommodation provided to the officials of Coast Guard Organisation and
Navy and found that the accommodation was in a dilapidated condition and maintained
badly.

44. On being asked about the short term and long term programme for fleet
modernisation to fulfil the mandate of Coast Guard for maritime security in coastal
areas, the Ministry has stated:-
Indian Coast Guard has been performing the delegated charter of
duties with a force level of 74 commissioned surface platforms and 51
aircraft. 50 per cent of the surface platforms have already exceeded their
designated life. Post 26/11, acquisition of essential platforms, aircraft and
operational assets to augment the surveillance capability was accorded
high priority. The modernization of the fleet through induction of state of
the art platforms and cutting technology for increasing the capabilities
were focused. As a short term measure CCS on 16 February, 2010
accorded sanction for the acquisition of the 60 surface platforms and 42
aircraft and are being processed with stringent timeline. As a long term
measure, the XIth Development Plan and CG Perspective Plan have been
25
 recast within the available budget with an aim to process essential assets
during current Plan. Currently, 113 surface platforms and 13 aircraft are
under construction in various Yards/Firms. The c o n t r a c t f o r 1 5 7 surface
platforms and 19 aircraft has been accorded during FY 2008-11. In
addition, sanction of 09 operational and aviation assets have been
accorded during FY 2009-10. The cases for 32 surface platforms are being
processed for fructification during current FY 2010-11. The CCS case for
setting up of Coastal Surveillance Chain Network is a priority case taken up
by ICG for augmenting the coastal surveillance.

45. When enquired about the number of equipments, sensors, communication

equipments, other sophisticated gadgets and fleet such as helicopters/ aircrafts
with Coast guard which are lying non-operational, the Ministry has replied as
under:-

(a) There are no communication equipments lying non-operational as on

date.

The Super Rapid Gun Mounting (SRGM) installed onboard ICG ships
Samar, Sangram are not working since 2006 and on ICG Sagar since Jun
2009. The SRGM onboard ICGS Sarang is partially operational. The
Electronically operated fire control system (EOFCS) of all the SRGM had
become obsolete and OEM had expressed inability to provide product
support. The remedial actions initiated for making SRGM operational are as
follows:-

(i) The normal routines of SRGM onboard ICGS Samar have been
completed by M/s Bharat Heavy electrical Limited, Haridwar in
September 2011 and routines on SRGM of ICGS Sangram will be
undertaken during ships refit likely to commence in Dec 11. The case
for normal routine onboard ICG ships Sagar and Sarang is in progress
and order likely to be placed by mar 12. The delay anticipated in
commence ment of Routine on these SRGM view 18 months lead time
for supply of spares by M/s BHEL.
(ii) One each Target Designator Sight (TDS) for OPVs (Samar class) has
been developed and procured from M/s Bharat Electronics Ltd.,
Bangalore in June 2011 and order for installation of TDS onboard ICG
ships Samar and Sangram has been placed on 07 Oct 2011 and likely
to be completed by Dec 2011.
(iii) The case for installation of TDS onboard ICG ships Sagar and Sarang
is being processed and is expected to be completed by March 2012.
(iv) The SRGM can be exploited manually on installation of TDS.
(v) Development of EOFCS for SRGM by M/s BEL, Bangalore is in
progress and will be considered for procurement as a replacement of

26
 obsolete EOFCS.
(c ) the unserviceability of Aircraft/Equipment held at CG units is as
follows:-

Sl. A/C Held at For Since Remarks/EDC

(i) CG CGAS V/UHF Tranreceiver 21 Aug 11 Awaiting for
778 Daman and Control unit of repair/replacement
V/UHF system by M/s HAL (TAD)
unserviceable. under warranty.
EDC: No. 11
(ii) CG CGAS Aircraft met accident 30 Aug 11 Repairs are in
821 Daman at CGAS Daman and progress by M/s
suffered heavy HAL under
damages on airframe warranty EDC: Apr
and major assemblies 12
(iii) CG CGAS Aircraft ditched in 21 Jan 08 Regularization of
808 Chennai Andaman & Nicobar loss is in progress
Region. Loss with MoD since
categorized as Total Aug 11.
loss.

(d) In addition, following aircraft are undergoing major servicing/repairs/modifications

by M/s HAL.

Dornier

Sl. A/C Held at For Since Remarks/EDC

(i) CG HAL (TAD), 7200 HRLY 08 Apr 11 Nov 11
762 Kanpur Servicing
(ii) CG HAL (TAD), 3600 HRLY 08 Jun 11 Dec 11
770 Kanpur Servicing
(iii) CG HAL (TAD), 8400 HRLY 30 Jun 11 Dec 11
755 Kanpur Servicing
(iv) CG HAL (TAD), 8400 HRLY 07 Jul 11 Jan 12
752 Kanpur Servicing
(v) CG HAL (TAD), 7200 HRLY 11 Jul 11 Jan 12
763 Kanpur Servicing
(vi) CG HAL (TAD), 6000 HRLY 12 Jul 11 Feb 12
766 Kanpur Servicing
(vii) CG CGAIS (Goa) 12 Monthly 25 Oct 11 Dec 11
761 inspection

27
Chetak

Sl. A/C Held at For Since EDC

(i) CG HAL (BKP), MI Servicing 01 Dec 10 Nov 11
815 Barrackpore
(ii) CG HAL (BKP), T1SI Servicing 20 Oct 11 Dec 11
8106 Barrackpore
(iii) C09 CGAE T1SI Servicing 31 Mar 11 Nov 11
(Goa),
(iv) CG CGAE T1 Servicing 23 Aug 11 Dec 11
807 (Goa),
(v) CG CGAE T1 Servicing and 22 Sep 11 Dec 11
813 (Goa), engine Overhaul

Dhruv

Sl. A/C Held at For Since EDC

(i) CG HAL 750 HRLY Servicing 06 Aug 11 Jan 12
853 (MRO),
Bengaluru

46. The other aircraft/equipments undergoing repair/servicing are given in

Annexure V. The examination of the tables reveal that as many as 7 Dornier and 5
Chetak aircraft are lying non-operational/under servicing.

47. During course of oral evidence, the representative of the Ministry of Defence
acknowledged that the number of platforms which are running in the Coast Guard at
present are at the end of their life. There is induction/de-induction plan. A force level is
planned over a period of 25 years. The average life of a ship is 25-30 years.

48. The representative of Coast Guard during the course of deliberations further
added as under:-
As far as the replacement programme is concerned, again I would reiterate that
never in the history of the Coast Guard so many ships have been constructed for
the Coast Guard today. Sir, 131 surface platforms are already under construction
in Indian yards and another 200 platforms are in the process of being contracted.
It would result in the Coast Guard having a substantial force level by 2018.

28
 VI FISHING COMMUNITY EYES AND EARS OF COAST GUARD

49. When asked about the measures/initiatives being taken by Coast Guard/ related
agencies for tackling or engaging the local coastal communities especially the fishermen
for strengthening their intelligence network, the Ministry in the written reply has stated:-

Indian Coast Guard is regularly conducting community interaction programmes in

the fishing villages. During these programmes, fishermen are trained at various
lifesaving / survival drills at sea. Training is also imparted in developing
seamanship skills. As the fishermen are first to notice any irregularity / suspicious
activity at sea, ICG is also educating the fishing community to be the eyes and
ears for intelligence gathering, owing to their enlarge presence all along the vast,
porous coastline. Further, the Indian fishermen are also densely and randomly
present closer to the coastline as well as upto the EEZ and near the International
Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Since 01 June 2009, a total of 330 community
interaction programmes have been conducted by the Coast Guard.

50. The current status of the initiatives t a k e n b y the Government on issues such
as registration of fishing and other vessels, installation of communication
equipment on these boats and uniform system of issuance of identity cards to
fishermen as elaborated by the Ministry during the course of examination of the
subject are as given:-

The Government had given directives in February, 2 0 09 that all fishing

boats should be registered under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act
1958. The Directorate General of Shipping has notified the Port Officers
of various Coastal States and Union Territories as Registrars of Fishing
Boats. All fishing boats will be registered through an electronic template
established by the National Informatics Centre. The information gathering
of the fishing boats has commenced by the State Governments. The
NIC, in coordination with the State Governments, are registering the boats
in a common format and the database will be given access to all law
enforcement agencies. The MoA has already provided the necessary
funding assistance to the NIC.

51. The representative of the Ministry during oral evidence has informed that

29
half a million fishing boats of all sizes are there and for centuries in India, people
are free to go for fishing without any regulation. Gradually license is starting now
and the fishing community is also understanding and appreciating this. The
fishermen themselves are becoming eyes and ears of Coast Guard
Organisation.

52. Biometric Identity Cards for Fishermen The MoA has provided Rs. 72
crore to the consortium, led by M/s BEL, Bangalore, to undertake the data
gathering and issue of Biometric Identity Cards to more than 4 lakh fishermen.
The data gathering and processing has commenced. The Card Readers will be
issued to Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies subsequently.
When enquired about the status of issuance of Biometric Identity Cards for
fishermen, the Ministry has informed that presently 16,75,398 coastal fishermen
have been identified for issuance of Biometric Identity Cards. Data has been
collected against 10,15,001 (64.34%) fishermen and for 5,62,662 (33.50%)
fishermen, same is in progress. State/U.T. wise details as furnished to the
Committee are as under :-

Sl. State Population of Percentage

Fishermen completed
(a) Gujarat 1,40,327 36.6%
(b) Maharashtra 1,64,595 0.0%
(c) Goa 13,362 21.5&
(d) Karnataka 80,000 1.7%
(e) Kerala 2,40,305 20.9%
(f) Tamil Nadu 2,38,651 42.8%
(g) Andhra Pradesh 1,16,647 32.7%
(h) Orissa 2,37,641 0.0%
(i) West Bengal 2,50,960 0.0%
(j) Lakshadweep 10,000 0.0%
(k) A&N 10,000 0.0%
(l) Puducherry 37,148 61.1%
(m) Daman & Diu 9,500 0.0%

30
53. When enquired about the data of existing fishing vessels, the Ministry has replied
as under :-
The fishing vessels are controlled by the respective State Governments, under
their respective Marine Fisheries Regulation Act. Their details are not intimated
to the Coast Guard.

54. The Ministry has further added that in order to regulate the movement of
fishing boats in and out of all landing points along the Indian Coast, the
following proposals are being examined :-
The fitment of fishing harbor/ landing points with Radio Frequency
Identification Device (RFID), which remotely monitor the
movement of boats and also fitment of RFID tags in the fishing
boats.
Fitment of satellite based transponder on each fishing boat below 20
mts in length, so as to monitor the movement of these boats at sea.

Fitment of vessel monitoring system (VMS) for deep sea fishing

vessel.

Fitment of AIS(B) for all fishing vessels above 20 mts in length.

55. Transponders for Tracking Fishing Vessels The Committee have been
informed that the Coast Guard is coordinating with the DG, Shipping for fitment of
vessel tracking system on board for all fishing vessels in accordance with the
decision taken by the Cabinet Secretary post 26/11. The Government has
formed a Committee, led by Director General Indian Coast Guard to identify
suitable transponder for fitment onboard fishing vessels less than 20 meters. The
Committee has identified three types of technology that can be used to track the
fishing vessels in consideration of the peculiarities and limitation under which,
most of the fishing boats operate in the Indian waters. The trials were
undertaken from December 2009 to February 2010 and it was found that the
technology is readily available to track the boats, but majority of the boats do
not have any power supply to provide power to the equipment. Trials for
modified transponders incorporating the necessary in-built rechargeable
batteries are being undertaken.
31
 VII DISASTER MANAGEMENT

56. When enquired about the calamity identification system available with the Coast
Guard Organisation, the Ministry in the written note has submitted as under :-

There is no system available with Coast Guard to identify the natural

calamity related issues/incidents. However, D i r e c t o r a t e o f Operations
at CGHQ maintains regular liaison with Indian Meteorological Department,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi, for getting regular met forecast. The synoptic chart,
Satellite pictures and met forecast are collected every day from IMD office.

57. On asking whether Coast Guard is well equipped, in case of emergency, so

as to enable it to evacuate the coastal villages/habitations, the representative of the
Ministry submitted as under:-

On shore evacuation is the responsibili ty of the concerned State

Governments. However, on specific request from the Civil Authorities, Indian
Coast Guard provides aid during natural calamities. The National Disaster
Management Authority have found their policy frame work in conformity with the
International strategy for disaster reduction, the Rio-declaration, the millennium
development goals and the Hyogo framework 2005-15. The salient features
are:-

Community-based disaster management, including last mile

integration of the policy, plans and execution.

Capacity development in all related areas.

Consolidation of past initiatives and best practices.
Cooperation with agencies at national, regional and international
levels.
Compliance and coordination to generate a multi-sectoral
synergy.

58. The representative of the Coast Guard during the deliberations has informed the
Committee that Coast Guard has a very large task to play on humanitarian assistance,
oil pollution, search and rescue and fishermen helping. On the issue of warning system
for tusnami the representative of Coast Guard elaborated as under :-
In tsunami, the Government of India has got a tsunami, warning centre, which
has been established under a specific Ministry, and we have this National
Disaster Management Cell, as you know, which is a separate organisation.

32
 VIII PROTECTION OF MARINE ENVIRONMENT

59. The Coast Guard Organisation has been mandated to protect mangroves
forests and coral reefs. When asked about the comparative data on mangroves
forest and coral reefs in 1978 and the present position, the Ministry has stated as
under:-
The Ministry of Environment and Forest is the nodal Ministry for protection
of corals and mangroves in India and has departments and institutions to look
after the issues of coral reefs and mangroves protection. The exact details of
the mangrove and coral reef area since 1978 are held with the MoEF.

60. When asked about the steps being taken to protect the marine environment
which include regulatory and enforcement measures and the role of the Ministry of
Defence and the Coast Guard in this regard, the Ministry in its written reply has
submitted as under:-

Study of marine environment is a professional work, which is generally

undertaken by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa. The Coast
Guard undertakes risk assessment, whenever, a contingency plan is submitted to
Coast Guard by Ports and Oil companies for vetting. The risk assessment is
carried out based on the traffic pattern, the amount of oil flow through tankers in
a particular port and the environment sensitivity of the local area. The Coast
Guard has directed the relevant ports, oil handling agencies and the State
Governments to establish the contingency plan and also to establish Tier-I (upto
700 tons) pollution response facility to take actions systematically in the event
of an oil spill. Most of the ports and oil handling agencies have established the
contingency plan and Tier-I facilities. However, the Coastal States have not done
so far. The Coast Guard coordinates all actions regarding oil spill response
through a national forum viz. the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan
(NOSDCP) and preparedness meeting convened twice every year. The
NOSDCP delineates responsibili ties of various Governmental Departments and
Agencies.

The Ministry of Defence forms part of the Crisis Management Group (CMG),
headed by the Home Secretary, in the event of an environment disaster of oil
spill. In accordance with the Allocation of Business Rules 1961, the Coast Guard
is nominated as the Central Coordinating Agency for combating oil spills in
Indian waters.

33
61. When enquired about the initiatives being taken by the Coast Guard to
restrict/control the unseaworthy vessel operations, the Committee have been apprised
as under:
The issue falls in the administrative domain of Ministry of Shipping. However,
following measures may prevent operation of sub standard ships in the Indian
waters:-

Restriction of entry of vessels more than 25 years in territorial waters.

Increase the number of ship inspections, under the Port State Control
by the Mercantile Marine Department.
Target the vessels that are operated by flags, which has history of
violating the standards of shipping operations.
Strict checking of loading operations at ports.
Loading of iron ore during monsoon to be avoided.
Establishment of Emergency Towing Vessels during monsoon to assist
the vessels in emergency.

62. Since 1991, the Coast Guard had initiated an exclusive operation code
named Olivia for the protection of the endangered species, viz. the Olive Ridley
turtles off Orissa coast. This operation has been undertaken for the past two decades,
wherein Coast Guard ships and aircraft have been deployed extensively from
November to May. During the operation, the trawlers and other fishing boats are
prevented to operate close to the coast and the offenders are apprehended under
Orissa Marine Fisheries Act and handed over to the police. The Coast Guard has been
awarded the Green governance in the year 2008 for this endeavour. The details of the
ship deployment, aircraft sorties and apprehension of offenders in the past three years
are as follows :-

Year Ship Deployment Air Sorties Apprehension

2007 131 67 05
2008 161 74 05

2009 163 72 14

34
63. With regard to the initiatives being undertaken to create awareness regarding
protection of marine environment, the Committee have been apprised that the Coast
Guard has undertaken following measures :-

Conduct of national level pollution response exercise with all response

agencies
Conduct of inspection of contingency plans of ports and oil
companies.
Conduct of joint audit of Tier-1 capabilities of ports and oil handling
facilities,
Imparted IMO level I pollution response training to both public and
private sector, free of cost to enhance the awareness. A total of 251
since 2009 till date personnel from 42 agencies have been imparted
with the above training.

64. The Committee have further been apprised that Section 14 (3) of the Coast
Guard Act, 1978 states that the Coast Guard should function in close liaison with other
agencies, so as to avoid duplication of efforts. Hence, the Coast Guard role is restricted
to provide assistance to such agencies, who look after such environment protection
issues. In the past, the Coast Guard has apprehended poachers, who damaged the
coral reefs in Andaman Islands and handed them over to the local Police for
prosecution.

65. The Committee during the course of examination of the subject have been
informed that total 82 cases of oil spill incidents have occurred in Indian water since
1982. The Coast Guard coordinated oil spill response in 75 cases of oil spill incidences.
The details of oil spill incidence and coordination undertaken by the Coast Guard have
been given at Appendix-III whereby it is seen that out of 75 cases in as many as 16
cases, the quantity and type of oil spill could not be assessed . Besides only in 11 cases
the amount was received from the polluter.

35
66. On enquiring what kind of risk assessment has been made and measures
suggested by Indian Coast Guard to cover the areas such as chemical and
hazardous substances pollution, which is highly technical and need multi-agency
coordination, the Ministry has informed as under:-
The Coast Guard has already put in place the necessary measures for oil
pollution response in the form of inspection of contingency plans, pollution
response equipment drills exercises and imparting training to all concerned.

At present, the issue of HNS is being administered by the MoS through DG

Shipping and MMD in accordance with the provisions of MS Act, 1958 and
various MS Rules. The OPRC-HNS 2000 protocol is likely to be signed by
India shortly. The Coast Guard has recommended MoS to establish the
necessar y framework and modalities of implementation of the HNS response
system, prior acceding to the OPRC HNS protocol. The Coast Guard has
intimated MoS, that the service is not ready at present to shoulder the
responsibility of HNS pollution as it requires specialized training, skill,
equipment, protective gears, monitoring gadgets, availability of scientific
inputs and enormous coordination activity to undertake any response actions.

67. Coast Guard has presently established three Regional Pollution Response
Teams at Mumbai, Chennai and Port Blair to cater for marine pollution response.
These teams train the CG personnel in house round the year. The facility of pollution
response training is presently extended to related agencies outside Coast Guard
only at Pollution Response Team (West), Mumbai. This training has been imparted to
581 persons from civil agencies, 384 persons from the Navy and 1348 persons from
Coast Guard till date. The annual training calendar of PRT (West) is enclosed. In
future, the training programme will be upgraded to international standard on availability
of resource personnel.

36
 IX MANPOWER & TRAINING

68. As per the information furnished by the Ministry the acceptable teeth to tail ratio
maintained by any maritime force is normally 1:2 i.e. for every one person at sea two
are placed ashore, so that they can replace man at sea at regular intervals. The teeth to
tail ratio maintained by Indian Navy is generally 1:2 which is minimum. But in case of
Coast Guard, it is 2:1. This in turn results into longer sea time and frequent transfers.
The Ministry has further reinstated that though with advent of technology upgraded
systems are being installed for monitoring along the coastal line, still it is opined that
there is no second alternative for physical patrolling at sea.

69. When enquired about the time since when the shortage of officers/staff is existing
and how the Coast Guard Organisation plans to meet the shortage in near future the
Ministry has informed as under:

On activation of the Coast Guard on 01 Feb 1977, officers and sailors from
Indian Navy were deputed to man the Coast Guard afloat and ashore units.
However, this deputation has been drastically reduced over a period of time due
to the growth of Indian Navy leading to shortage of manpower in Coast Guard.
Coast Guard being a young force, additional shore establishments, surface
and air units have been inducted/activated. The organisation has been facing
the shortage of manpower because of its growth.

70. The Coast Guard has a sanctioned strength of 12446 personnel. This includes
sanction of 3260 personnel in 2009, another 951 personnel in 2010 and 88 posts in
2011.

71. The present manpower status as on as informed to the Committee is as

under:-

Sl.No. Category Sanctioned Borne Shortage Percentage

Strength
(i) Officers 1714 1093 621 36.23%
(ii) Enrolled 9181 6723 2458 26.77%
(iii) Civilian 1551 902 649 41.84%
TOTAL 12446 12446 8718 3728 34.94%

37
72. Thus the shortage is actually a result of lead time that exists between
the approval of Government and recruitment, training and position of force.
When enquired about the initiatives taken/proposed to be taken to fill the gap between
the required and the existing strength, the Committee have been informed as under:-

The Coast Guard is aware of the needs to accelerate its recruitment

process for early filling up of the sanctioned posts. However, the
recruitment has to be in synchronisation with the availability of training
vacancies at Naval training establishment both for basic and
downstream training. The Indian Navy has been generous to allot
additional vacancies for CG personnel and the same as resulted in
increased enrolment of officers and enrolled personnel to 130 and 680
respectively annually.

73. The Committee have further been informed that efforts are in progress for
filling up 649 civilian personnel posts through SSC/local recruitment which will
take considerable time.When asked about the latest position of the above
mentioned induction programme, the Ministry replied as under:-

Extensive efforts have been undertaken by the organization to increase the

awareness of Coast Guard in the youth both through electronic and print
media. In addition, the recruitment centres for selection of officers have
increased from 4 to 7. This has enabled the organization to increase the
enrolment of officers. Overwhelming response is received from the
candidates for recruitment as enrolled personnel.

74. The officers and enrolled personnel post enrolment are sent to Naval training
establishment for basic and downstream training. The details of officers and enrolled
personnel who have completed the basic training batch wise since 2005 is as
follows:-
Sl.
No. Year Officers Enrolled Personnel Total
YTK Nvk(GD) Nvk(DB)
(i) 2005 23 33 85 15 156
(ii) 2006 43 46 220 48 57
(iii) 2007 47 36 267 39 389

38
 (iv) 2008 29 57 312 52 450
(v) 2009 81 102 338 12 533

(vi) 2010 130 115 450 115 810

(vii) 2011 60 71 255 66 452

Note. The manpower induction has increased during the year 2009-10.

Training

75. During the course of deliberations, the Committee have been informed by the
Ministry of Defence that one of the factors for slow pace of induction is non-availability of
a dedicated Training Academy for Coast Guard Organisation. On the issue of latest
position with regard to setting up of its own training Institute, the Ministry has informed
as under:-
Presently, the ab-initio training of Coast Guard Officers and Enrolled Personnel is
undertaken by the Navy. The training of Coast Guard Personnel on Coast Guard
related subjects is imparted at Coast Guard Training Centre located at Kochi. The
setting up of dedicated Coast Guard Academy has been envisaged in Coast
Guard Revised XI Plan (2007-12) and approval in principle had been accorded by
GoI on 12 October, 2010. Subsequently, the location for ICG Academy has been
identified at Azhikkal, Kerala. 164 Acre land has been acquired at Azhikkal,
Kerala on February, 2011. The Honble Raksh Mantri had laid the foundation
stone for the Academy on 28 May, 2011. The Academy will cater for all Coast
Guard oriented courses except the ab-initio training. The training courses will be
conducted for the following :-

Coast Guard Officers and Enrolled Personnel.

Courses for personnel from the other Services.
Courses for ART members &Foreign countries.
Courses for personnel from Corporate/PSUs.

39
76. When enquired about the kind of programmes that have been organised in the
past one year for exposure and training to the officers/sailors. The Ministry has
furnished the following details:-.

The Coast Guard officers and men are undergoing two types of training:-

Initial Training.
Mid Career/refresher professional training.
The initial training prepares a person to perform as a full-fledged staff in
assigned Coast Guard roles. This varies between 71 - 139 weeks in case
of officers and 43- 130 weeks in case of EPs depending upon their
branches. The Mid Career Professional training is imparted to the officers
and men at the Army/Navy/Air Force training establishments and even
abroad for some selected officers. Besides, the Coast Guard outsources
its training to reputed Civil Institutions in India for conducting short
courses for its officers and men.

77. The Coast Guard is a non-military constabulary force mandated for security
of Maritime zones of India. This means the service is required to acquire, operate
and maintain a variety of ships, aircraft, sensors, special equipment/ weapons for
the envisaged roles. The maritime law enforcement and humanitarian SAR beside
security are the primary roles of the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is broadly
manned by two categories of personnel namely, General Duty (General services,
Pilots, Navigators, Seaman, Mechanics) and the Technical (Marine Engineers, Electrical
Engineers, Aeronautical Engineers, Electronics Engineers and their corresponding
diploma holder assistants) for proper functioning of the force. Two more branches
of Enrolled Personnel namely Domestic and Enrolled Followers are positioned for
support services. The general pattern of training of all personnel is as follows:-

Orientation Training - 09 to 24 weeks as per branch.

Sea Training - 02 to 60 weeks as per branch.

Professional Training - 43 to 97 weeks as per branch.
Mid Career Training - Different durations as enquired.
Promotion linked Training - Different durations as required. for
enrolled personnel
40
 X COORDINATION AMONG VARIOUS AGENCIES AT SEA

78. There are a large number of maritime agencies associated with and operating in
the maritime environment. These include shipping companies, port authorities, fishing
community, offshore development operators, oil companies, ocean research agencies,
customs, Environment and Forests Ministry, immigration, marine police, Intelligence
Bureau and the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard. Effective coordination, collaboration
and cooperation between all these agencies that operate under different Central and
State regulations, has not happened in the past but has become an inescapable
requirement today. On the issue, the Ministry has replied as under:

Indian Coast Guard has been additionally designated as the authority

responsible for Coastal Security in territorial waters and the Director General
Indian Coast Guard has been designated as Commander Coastal Command,
responsible for overall coordination between Central and State agencies in all
matters related to Coastal Security. Coast Guard as the Lead Intelligence Agency
for the maritime coastal borders is responsible and is coordinating intelligence
with all stake holders at the State as well as Centre. Further, sharing of
information has resulted in timely exchange of information leading to quick
corroboration as well as to ascertain the actionable intelligence.

During the oral evidence, the representative of Coast Guard Organisation has
informed that the Navy and the Coast Guard have been taking up this case for
about 10 years at least that every maritime State must have a State Maritime
Board. At the moment, three maritime Boards have been established out of the
nine coastal States and one more in Kerala has been sanctioned by the Cabinet.
Further, the DG ICG assured that by next year all the nine States have got State
Maritime Boards because the Government of India has been very categorical
about this. In the written note the Committee have been informed that the State of
Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have set up State Maritime Board.

79. While elaborating on the initiatives being taken by the Ministry for expediting
setting up of State Maritime Board in the Coastal States, the Ministry enumerated
the various steps as detailed below:-

41
 (a) The concerned State Governments have been advised for setting up of
Maritime Board during the Coastal Security Exercise debriefs.
(b) The issue has been flagged in the MSDC Meetings.

(c) The issue has been raised in the NCSMCS Meetings Chaired by Cabinet
Secretary.
(d) Honble Raksha Mantri has written letter to Chief Ministers of 06 Coastal
states for early setting up of State Maritime Boards.

IN-CG Coordination

80. The Coast Guard and Navy together are responsible for overall maritime security
and safety, therefore, abundance of synergy is inevitable and also coordination and
systematic delegation of functions between the two agencies is quintessence for the
systematic effectiveness. While replying to this issue the Ministry has stated as below:

The two services operate in common maritime domain, and participate in

tandem, not only in real-time operations such as Ops Swan, Tasha, Vijay, etc.
but also in periodical joint exercises that are held annually, to validate
procedures and rehearse preparedness.

81. The Ministry has also informed that NAVGUARD is the apex body for IN-CG
coordination. The two services start with training of the Coast Guard officers and
personnel at Naval training Institutions including the basic sea training and cross-
deputation of officers and personnel between the two services. The other issues
relating to IN-CG cooperations are as under:-

82. Regular participation of Indian Coast Guard ships with the Naval fleet units
during exercises.
i) An annual meeting viz. NAVGUARD, is held between the two services
since Apr 1990, to enhance inter-service cooperation. NAVGUARD is
the apex body for IN-CG coordination.
ii) With the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard being given
additional responsibilities for overall maritime security and Coastal
Security in territorial waters respectively, to avoid duplication of efforts
and to enhance the corporation between the two maritime services,

42
 guidelines for SOP on Coastal Security were prepared by the Indian Navy
in coordination with Indian Coast Guard, with the VCNS and the DGICG
signing the same in a special NAVGUAR D meeting. In addition, both
the services have joint working groups to coordinate issues of routine
nature relating to operations, planning, Human resource development.
iii) To further develop the synergy between the two services at
Command/Regional levels, Command level NAVGUARD meetings have
also been instituted.
iv) The Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard conduct regular
exercises to prepare and validate the compatibility and procedures at the
time of war.

Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard Synergy in a Changed Environment

83. Unity of Command is one of the ten accepted principles of war. Duality of
responsibilities may result into ambiguities and imprecision, which was evident during
the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Therefore, a distinct and unified patrolling,
reporting and executing network at sea cannot be denied any more. However, with two
distinct Head Quarters of Navy and Coast Guard respectively may lead to two channels
of execution which may be at times overlapping and on the other hand may leave
lacunae. The Ministry in their replies have ascertained that The Indian Navy has been
designated as the authority responsible for overall maritime security which includes
coastal security and offshore security. The Indian Navy will be assisted by Coast
Guard, State Marine Police and other Central and State agencies for the Coastal
defence of the nation.

84. The Group of Ministers Report, 2001 on Reforming the National Security System
recommended for setting up of a Federal Apex Body to deal with maritime affairs so that
institutionalized linkages between the Navy, Coast Guard and the concerned Ministries
of the Central and State Governments take place. However the same is yet to be
considered.

43
 XI ANTI PIRACY

85. On the reason for occurrence of anti-national incidences the Ministry has
furnished the following details :-

India is endowed with coastline of 7516 Kms and 2.01 million square kilometers
of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Further the vast coast line of India has got
numerous creeks, uninhabited islands and is thinly populated with dense
forestation and rocky topography. Hence, the coastline is vastly porous. The
security agencies besides customs are not having adequate ships and aircraft to
undertake effective maritime surveillance, and to curb disruptive activities like
smuggling, pilferage, piracy, infiltration and terrorist threats. Human resources
and infrastructure for establishment of foolproof coastal security is not existing
presently especially with the Indian Coast Guard. The Coastal Surveillance
Network (CSN) is being implemented by way of static radar chain for electronic
surveillance all along the coast line to overcome existing shortcomings and
address all issues especially pertaining to gaps amongst concerned agencies. In
addition, the vulnerability and gap analysis carried out by the Maritime State
Government/Union Territories with the assistance of the Indian Coast Guard has
resulted in planning additional 131 Coastal Police Stations 180 in number 12 ton
boats besides 10 large vessels for Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

86. The Ministry has further added that the concerned authorities pertaining to anti-
smuggling activities are Customs, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Directorate of
Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and State Marine Police.
Whenever ICG receives intelligence regarding smuggling activities from these agencies,
necessar y assistance is provided by way of ships and aircraft for joint operations, in
order to affect apprehensi on of personnel involved and seizure of contraband at sea.
The apprehended vessels along with contraband seized are handed over to the nearest
Coastal Police Station for further legal proceedings.

87. The Group of Ministers Report, 2001 on Reforming the National Search System
suggests that laws and procedure relating to detention and prosecution of poachers and
confiscation of boats need to be tightened. The concerned Ministries/Departments of the
Government of India should consider setting up Maritime Courts or alternatively, giving
powers of prosecution and detention to the Coast Guard and to the proposed Marine
Police.

44
88. When enquired as to how many Indians have been held hostages by the
Somalian and other pirates during the last three years and the efforts made by Coast
Guard Organisation in this regard, the Ministry has replied as under:-

No separate record/statistics are available with Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for
Indians taken hostages by Somalian pirates. However, a total of 490 Indian crew
were taken as hostages by the Somalian Pirates in last three years. While 437
crew have been released, 53 are still in captivity. The ICG has no role in
negotiating with Somalian Pirates for the release of Indian crew. The negotiations
are initiated by the concerned shipping company.

45
 XII INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS

89. When enquired about the regional and international cooperation/alliances to

tackle the emerging issues related to Maritime Zone, the Ministry in the written note has
furnished the following information:-
India as a country has been the largest democracy, peace preaching,
Sovereign Republic. We have always promoted peaceful co existence,
nuclear use only for peaceful gains, no first strike policy and possessing
second strike capability. Our democratic set up, sense of regional
cooperation, good neighbourly relations, acceptability and tolerance have
forced us with three conflicts, a few crisis and uninterrupted terrorism since
ages. Whereas, in the near future, with the regional realignment as well as the
global orientation, India has to re-evaluate her perspective, policies and
practices to face all threats to her sovereignty instantly, sharply and smartly,
thereby outwitting the enemies in any form.

The Geo political and the Geo strategic issues bring to fore the issues of
regional cooperation, division on the basis of the geographical areas,
commonal ity in the perception of the threat, and application of Geo
economics in the plan to effectively combat the acts of terrorism, in the
present day context. The most salient aspect that dictates the Geo
situations is the need for oil, its presence and its stocking for a better
tomorrow. One better method of combating the asymmetric warfare is to show
presence by our reach and the sustainability. The proximity of India to the
Indian Ocean has to be considered in every analysis concerning the
aspects of security. This is because, besides the choke points, the ocean
contains the American, British and the French colonies. It also has the
connectivity to Antarctica, has abundance of resources and contains the
maritime connectivity between the East and the West.

Based on the commonality of threat, economy of a country, combat power

and proximity to a support base, most of the countries have started to get
together as a regional team. These countries are pooling in their resources
for Maritime Search and Rescue, Maritime Environment Security, Trans
national crimes like Anti-Piracy, etc. and other humanitarian tasks. Indian
Coast Guard has at present institutionalised joint exercise programme with
Japan Coast Guard (JCG), Korea Coast Guard (KCG) and Maldives Coast
Guard. The service is also in the process of signing MOUs with Coast Guards
of many countries for assisting each other in case of Search and Rescue,
Anti-Piracy and other trans-national crimes and issues pertaining to oil spill
disaster. Ships and delegation visits with many neighbouring countries and
ASEAN countries has also become a regular feature to boost mutual
cooperation and jointness to deal with various maritime issues concerning to
law enforcement and humanitarian assistance.
46
90. The Committee have been informed that under SAR Convention, 1979 ratified
in 2001, the parties to the Convention are required to establish ship reporting systems,
under which ships report their position to a Coast Radio Station. This enables the
interval between the loss of contact with a vessel and the initiation of search operations
to be reduced. It also helps to permit the rapid determination of vessels.

47
 PART-II

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS

SETTING UP OF REGIONAL HEADQUARTER (NORTH-EAST)

The Committee observe that as per the existing Organisational Structure,

the Coast Guard operates from its headquarters located at New Delhi. The field
functions of the Coast Guard are executed by the four Regional Headquarters
located at Mumbai, Chennai, Gandhi Nagar and Port Blair along with 12 District
Headquarters set up under these Regional Headquarters located at the Coastal
States of India. The Committee during the course of deliberations have observed
that the maritime States of Orissa and West Bengal are located adjacent to
Bangladesh and of late there has been a large number of refugee influx and anti-
national activities in this area. Not only that the sea area adjoining these two
maritime States is rich in marine biotic resources and the Coast of Orissa is
known for nesting of endangered species of Olive Ridley Turtle which needs to be
protected. To add to the importance of this area the Sand Heads approach in river
Hooghly is the gateway to the ports of Kolkata handling large amount of import-
export trade. This being the restricted water, there is persistent risk of oil
pollution. Besides large exploration activity is being undertaken in sea adjoining
West Bengal and Orissa. The Ministry itself has acknowledged that there is
inescapable need for establishing Regional Headquarters (North-East). The
Committee have further been informed that the case for Regional Headquarters
(North-East) along with co-located station at Kolkata is being examined.

While taking note of the strategic and important location of the maritime
States of Orissa and West Bengal, the Committee are of the firm view that there is
an urgent need to take the immediate action with regard to setting up of Regional
Headquarter (North-East) at the proposed site i.e. Kolkata so that the environment,
sea life and property are protected besides meeting the strategic need of checking
the influx of refugees, anti-national activities and poaching. The expeditious

48
decision in this regard should be taken by the Government and the Committee
informed accordingly.

ADHOCISM IN LONG TERM PLANS

2. The Committee during the course of examination have been informed that
the long term planning for the Coast Guard Organisation is being made since
inception. The detailed analysis of the information furnished by the Ministry
indicates that various long-term plans envisaged by the Coast Guard could not be
finalized. The proposed Coast Guard Perspective Plan (2007-22) initially had an
outlay of Rs. 49377.33 crore and post 26/11, it was decided to ensure a
comprehensive CGPP 2012-27 instead of revising the CGPP 2007-22. As such, as
per the Ministry, the envisaged expenditure involved in the upgradation of ICG
force level during CGPP 2007-22 shall have no relevance. With regard to Five Year
Plans, the Committee on the one hand have been informed that Eleventh Plan was
approved by the Ministry of Finance with an outlay of Rs. 7,000 crore which was
consequently revised to Rs. 7930.22 crore, on the other hand, the approved
figures have been stated to be purely indicative. When the Committee specifically
enquired about the deadline for the proposed upgradations post 26/11 scenario,
the Committee have been informed that the deadline for upgradation would be
made on the approval of CGPP 2012-27. The Committee conclude from the
aforesaid scenario that long-term Plans envisaged are not being finalized and the
revised plans are taking so much time thereby leading to uncertainty over the
annual allocations for the Coast Guard and the whole plans of upgrading the
infrastructure and the force level.

While expressing serious concern over the ad-hocism in the whole planning
process, the Committee strongly recommend that Coast Guard Perspective Plan
2012-27 should be finanlised within the stipulated time frame. Besides the
allocations for the Twelfth Plan according to the set targets as per the CGPP 2012-
27 should be finalized expeditiously by the Coast Guard Organisaiton/Ministry of
Defence so that the approval of the Ministry of Finance is obtained before the start
49
of the Twelfth Plan. The Committee may again like to emphasize that there is an
urgent need to give more attention to the long-term plans so that the proposed
upgradations are made so as to enable Coast Guard Organisation of India to meet
the responsibilities bestowed to it owing to change in maritime scenario and
increased incidents of terrorism and poaching at sea over the years.

COASTAL SECURITY SCHEME PHASE I AND PHASE II

3. The Committee observe that a comprehensive and integrated Coastal Security

Scheme (CSS) was formulated in consultation with all agencies concerned with the
objective of strengthening infrastructure of marine police force for patrolling and
surveillance of coastal areas, particularly in shallow water areas close to the post. The
CSS Phase-I was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in January 2005 and
was to be implemented over the five years starting from 2005-06. The Committee further
note that the date of completion of CSS Phase-I has now been extended by one year i.e.
till March 2011. The data furnished by the Ministry with regard to the physical progress of
Phase-I further indicates that there are gaps between the sanctioned buildings and the
buildings made operational. Such gap is of No. 2 with regard to coastal police stations
no. 5 in respect of check posts and out posts and no. 2 with regard to barracks. Besides
in a good number of projects construction has not yet started. With regard to coastal
police stations although 71 out of the 73 sanctioned police stations have been made
operational, as per the information furnished by the Ministry, the construction in respect
of 42 out of 48 buildings has been completed and for 11 buildings the construction is in
progress. In respect of 14 buildings the construction has not yet started. It indicates that
Phase-I may require further extensions. Not only that a good number of police stations
seems to be working without buildings. With regard to Phase-II even the financial
implications have not been yet finalized and the approval of CCS is yet to be obtained.

The Committee observe that post 26/11 scenario, there is an urgent need to
increase patrolling and surveillance infrastructure in coastal areas. With the
status of infrastructure projects, the details of which have been given above it
would take more years to complete the projects targeted under Phase-I and Phase-
II. Keeping in view the strategic requirement the Committee strongly emphasize

50
that the targeted projects under Phase-I should be completed expeditiously.
Besides financial allocations for Phase-II should be finalized expeditiously so that
Phase-II can start expeditiously.

UNDER UTILISATION OF OUTLAY DURING ELEVENTH PLAN

4. The Committee note from the data furnished by the Ministry that Rs.
20134.901 crore under the capital head for different projects have been earmarked
to be spent by the end of the Twelfth Plan. Out of the allocated outlay, Rs.
5293.093 crore would be spent by the end of the Eleventh Plan and Rs.
12855.982 crore would be carried forward to Twelfth Plan. The detailed
examination of the data further reveals that likely expenditure for the new
schemes is Rs. 2631.270 crore out of Rs. 5293.093 crore for the Eleventh Plan
which means that almost 50 per cent of the outlay is earmarked for meeting
committed liability, replacement schemes and civil works. The analysis further
indicates that there is under utilization of outlay, particularly under the capital
schemes during each year of Tenth Plan and Eleventh Plan. During the first three
years of Eleventh Plan overall expenditure is 92.81 per cent of the total outlay
whereas under the capital head, the expenditure is Rs. 1667.86 crore out of the
allocation of Rs. 1916.71 crore i.e. 87.01 per cent.

The Committee at one place have been informed by the Ministry that the
annual allocations would depend upon resource availability. On the one hand the
allocations earmarked are not being fully utilized on the other hand the deadlines
for proposed up-gradations have been stated to be dependent upon resource
availability. The Committee again emphasize that there is an urgent need to
ensure that up-gradation, modernization of various plans of Coast Guard are
completed within the stipulated deadline so as to address the challenges before
the Coast Guard Organization. As such all the initiatives should be taken to
ensure that the allocations made for the different projects are fully utilized.
Besides keeping in view the long-term plans, the adequate outlay for the new

51
schemes, should be made available by the Government. The concerns of the Committee in this
regard should be duly communicated to the Ministry of Finance.

INFRASTRUCTURE

5. The Committee find that a lot of infrastructure is being upgraded with a view to enhance the
coastal surveillance network. At present, there are 27 Coast Guard Stations along the coast line
and as per the information furnished by the Ministry, Coast Guard Station generally covers a range
of approx. 75 to 120 km. The Ministry itself has acknowledged that the present arrangements are
considered inadequate for surveillance keeping in view the long coast line of India and adverse
topography. To monitor the coastal boundaries, the Ministry has taken up the case with the
Government to enhance the stations from 27 to 41 by 2012. Besides, 204 Coastal Police Stations
have also been sanctioned which would be operating in the Hub and Spoke concept with the Coast
Guard Stations for filling gap identified after carrying out vulnerability and gap analysis by the
State Government/Marine Police of the State along with the Indian Cast Guard. With regard to
upgrading Air Stations, Air Enclaves and Squadrons, the Committee have been informed that at
present there are two Air Stations, three Air Enclaves and three independent Squadrons operating
from strategic locations along the coast line. Additional three Air Stations and four Air Enclaves
are being planned to be established by 2012. As such by 2012 the Coast Guard would be having
total five Air Stations, seven Air Enclaves and one Helibase and two independent Squadrons which
according to the Ministry would meet the effective air surveillance of the entire coast. In addition a
total of 46 coastal radar chains are in the process of being started.

The representatives of Coast Guard Organisation during the Study Visit of the Committee
to Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore and Vishakhapatnam from 29 June to 04 July, 2011 made certain
suggestions to upgrade the infrastructure at each of the existing port and airport. The suggestions
made include providing 200 meters of dedicated jetty for unhindered 24x7 CG Operations, 5-10
acres of seafront land adjacent to jetty for creation of logistics, administration and technical
support complex to support CG operations and 20-30 acres of land for creation of hoverport within
port limits. Suggestion was also made to provide 150-200 acres land for administrative complex for
married accommodation and other allied facilities outside port limits. For airports, the
representative suggested that 50-100 acres of land for creating dedicated dispersal, hangers and
air operation support facilities should be provided. The Committee recommended the Ministry of
Defence to consider the suggestions of Coast Guard Organisation.

The Committee during their study tour to Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore and
Vishakhapatnam from 29 June to 4 July 2011 have observed that keeping current security
scenario into consideration, Coast Guard force level is being enhanced at a much
faster rate. Towards this purpose the Coast Guard requires infrastructural facilities in a
larger scale viz., support for berthing place for ship place for
52
hovercraft operations, air operations maintenance facilities, land for creation of
operation and communication centres, Administrative Complexes, Married
Accommodation. The present assets with the Coast Guard are negligible and are
on temporary arrangements with other organizations at most of the places.
Respective State Governments port authorities and airport authorities are being
approached to provide such support. The Committee are of the strong view that
infrastructure are the backbone for maintaining a strong force level for Coast
guard organization to meet the current security scenario. This type of stop-gap
arrangement will weaken not only the capacity of CG but also the morale of the
Coast Guard Personnel. This matter need to be dealt on war footing stage. The
State Governments have to play an important role in setting up the proposed
infrastructure primarily on the issue of acquisition of land for various types of
infrastructure projects. As such, there is an urgent need to sensitize the State
Governments about the urgency of upgradation of coastal network. The issue
needs to be taken up at the highest level with the State Governments. The
Ministry has to play a proactive role in motivating the various State Governments.
Concrete initiatives on the suggested lines should be taken by the Government
and the Committee apprised accordingly.

FORCE LEVEL

6. The Committee observe that the existing strength of aircraft and other
surveillance force level of Indian Coast Guard includes 44 ships, 6 hovercrafts
aircrafts, 24 boats, 20 Chetaks and 4 ALH. The Coast Guard during the year 2007-
08 had 42 ships, 18 boats and 45 aircrafts as informed to the Committee during the
course of examination of Demands for Grants 2007-08. The comparison of the
status of surveillance force level of Coast Guard during the year 2007-08 and the
strength, at present, indicates that there has been addition of only 2 ships and 6
boats during the past four years. The Committee have been given the impression
that a lot of efforts are being made to upgrade the capacity of Coast Guard Post
26/11 Mumbai attack. However, the aforesaid scenario with regard to up-gradation

53
of force level indicates that the progress in this regard is slow. Even if the data
with regard to the existing force level is compared to the assessed requirement
during the year 2007-08 as informed to the Committee during the course of
examination of Demands for Grants, the Committee note that there are huge gaps
between the required and the existing force level. The assessed requirement of
ships at that time was 154 and 93 boats while the Indian Coast Guard at present
has only 45 ships and 27 boats.

The Committee further note from the Information furnished by the Ministry
that a large number of gadgets/helicopters/aircraft available with Coast Guard
Organisation are lying non-operational for long time and repair/servicing seems
to be a very slow process. The Super Rapid Gun Mounting (SRGM) installed
onboard ICG ships Samar, Sangram are not working since 2006 and on ICG Sagar
since Jun 2009. The SRGM onboard ICGS Sarang is partially operational. The
Electronically operated fire control system (EOFCS) of all the SRGM had become
obsolete and OEM had expressed inability to provide product support. The
existing strength Donier and Chetak are 28 and 20 respectively, out of which one-
fourth of the fleet is undergoing major servicing/repairs.

The Committee take serious note of the huge gaps between the existing and
the required force level as well as the slow progress of acquisition of the force
level in Coast Guard. Not only that whatever limited capacity of force level the
Coast Guard possesses, is not fully operational as is apparent from the
information furnished by the Ministry. The Committee would like to emphasize
that with the increasing perceived threat levels from various quarters, the country
cannot afford delay and shifting of deadlines in respect of acquisition of various
types of force level. As such the Committee strongly recommend that all out
efforts should be made to ensure that the inductions are in place within the
stipulated time frame. The requisite allocation should be made available to Coast
Guard so as to meet the gaps between the required and existing strength to
enable the Coast Guard to meet the emerging security challenges as well to
handle the peace time operations particularly during natural calamities. Besides, it

54
should also be ensured that the various systems and the aircraft, equipments,
electronic gadgets, etc. which become non-operational due to various reasons are
repaired/ serviced within the shortest possible time. In this regard, the Defence
capacity to repair/service the various equipments, aircraft systems also need to be
augmented.

The Committee further express serious concern over almost one-fourth of

the total strength of Donier and Chetak undergoing major services/repairs. The
Committee would like to be informed whether the Defence has tried to find out the
reasons for such a large number of aircraft going non-operational. The detailed
reasons in this regard should be furnished to the Committee so as to understand
the issue of such a large number of Donier and Chetak going non-operational.

The Committee during the Study Visit to Goa observed that the
accommodation provided to the officials of Coast Guard Organisation/Navy was in
a dilapidated condition. The Committee note that on the one hand there is
shortage of accommodation for the officials of the services, on the other hand,
whatever accommodation is provided is not being maintained properly. The
Committee take serious view of the poor maintenance of the residential
accommodation provided to the officials of Coast Guard and Navy. The
Committee strongly recommend the Ministry to look into the matter urgently.
Besides the outlay required for proper maintenance of the residential
accommodation should be provided.

SURFACE PLATFORMS

7. The Committee note that the Coast Guard has been performing the
delegated charter of duties with a force level of 72 commissioned surveillance
platforms out of which, as per the Ministrys own admission, 50 per cent
of the platforms have exceed ed their designated life. The Ministry has
informed that 131 surveillance platforms are already under construction in
Indian Shipyards and another 200 platforms are in the process of being

55
contracted. The aforesaid position indicates that there are huge gaps
between the required and the existing

strength of surface platforms. What is more disturbing is the fact that whatever
limited capacity of platforms Coast Guard has, have already exceed ed their life.
While expressing serious concern over the existing situation, the Committee
strongly recommend that all the initiatives should be taken so that additional
platforms are inducted within the stipulated time frame and the out dated
platforms are phased out thereby strengthening the force level of Coast Guard.

ISSUE OF BIOMETRIC IDENTITY CARDS TO FISHERMAN

8. The Committee note that for centuries people were free to go for fishing
without any regulation. Post 26/11 scenario, the move to issue license has
started. The Committee appreciate that fishing community is understanding the
need to regulate the fishing. One of the initiative being undertaken to regulate the
fishing in the country is issue of biometric identity cards to fishermen. So far as
the status of the task in this regard is concerned, the Committee find from the
information furnished by the Ministry that 16,75398 coastal fishermen have been
identified for issue of biometric identity card. Data in respect of 10,15,001 i.e.
64.34% of the fishermen have been collected. So far as the issue of biometric
identity cards to the individuals is concerned, the Committee note that the
position is not very satisfactory. Only in Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and
Andhra Pradesh more than 30% of the identified fishermen have been issued
biometric identity card. In six States/UTs the percentage of the task completed
has been shown as nil, as per the data furnished by the Ministry. In Karnataka,
only 1.7% of the task has been completed. In Kerala which has large number of
fishermen population only 20.9% of the task has been completed. The Committee
express serious concern over the tardy progress of the task of issue of biometric
identity card to fishermen. The Committee strongly recommend that Coast Guard
Organisation should monitor and pursue the State Governments and Ministry of

56
Agriculture so that the biometric identity cards are issued within the stipulated
timeframe. The concerns of the Committee in this regard should be duly
communicated to the respective Ministries/State Governments.

9. The Committee observe that the Ministry of Agriculture has provided Rs. 72
crore to the consortium led by M/s BEL, Bangalore to undertake the data gathering
and issue of biometric identity cards to more than four lakh fishermen. From the
information furnished by the Ministry, the Committee note that more than 16 lakh
of the fishermen have been identified for issue of biometric identity cards. The
Committee would like the Ministry to clarify whether the remaining task of issue of
biometric identity cards would be undertaken by BEL or some other agency has
been identified/proposed to be identified to undertake the remaining task. The
Committee would also like that the necessary outlay should be provided to the
Ministry of Agriculture so that the task is completed within the stipulated
timeframe.

REGISTRATION OF FISHING BOATS

10. The Committee find that besides issue of Biometric identity cards the
Government is registering fishing boats for effective surveillance in coastal areas.
In this direction, the Government has given directives in February, 2009 that all
fishing boats should be registered under the provisions of the Merchant Fishing
Act, 1958. NIC in cooperation with the State Governments is undertaking the task
of registration of boats and the necessary funding assistance has already been
provided by the Ministry of Agriculture in this regard. The Committee are
concerned to note that the initiative of registration of boats started in February
2009, and even after passage of more than three years, the Coast Guard which is
the nodal Organisation is not even aware about the number of fishing vessels and
their status of registration. The Committee believe that identification and
registration of boats is the first initiative to monitor/track the vessels in the sea.
As such it is utmost necessary that the task is completed within the stipulated

57
time frame. The Committee, therefore, strongly recommend that Coast Guard
Organisation should coordinate with the respective Ministries/NICs/State
Governments and monitor the status of registration of boats in Coastal States.
The periodic information about the task being undertaken should be obtained by
the Coast Guard and furnished to the Committee. Besides the concerns of the
Committee in this regard should be conveyed to the concerned Ministries, State
Governments and NIC so that the task is completed within the definite time frame.

VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

11. The Committee have been informed during the course of examination that
the Coast Guard is coordinating with the Director-General Shipping for fitment of
vessel, tracking system on board for all fishing vessels in accordance with the
decisions taken by the Cabinet Secretary post 26/11. To achieve the task, the
Government is examining some of the proposals to regulate the movement of
fishing boats in and out of all landing points along the Indian Coast which include
the fitment of shipping harbor/landing points with Radio Frequency Identification
Device (RFID), fitment of satellite based transponder on each fishing boat below
20 mts in length, fitment of vessel monitoring system (VMS) for deep sea fishing
vessel and fitment of AIS(B) for all fishing vessels above 20 mts in length.

The detailed examination of the subject by the Committee has revealed that
some headway has been achieved in respect of fitment of vessel tracking system
in fishing vessels less than 20 mts. However, in respect of fitment of
transponders for fishing vessels above 20 mts and for deep sea fishing vessels as
well as for fitment of RFID tags, the proposals seems to be still at the conceptual
stage. The Committee feel that an effective vessel monitoring and tracking system
is utmost necessary for monitoring the operation of all types of vessels in the sea.
As such there is an urgent need to fast track the process of identification of
technologies, trials so that various types of proposed monitoring systems are
fitted in all types of vessels. So far as the constraint being felt with regard to the

58
small boats which do not have power supply to provide power to the monitoring
equipment is concerned, the Committee feel that the constraint can be addressed
by fitting the rechargeable batteries.

The Committee strongly recommend that all the proposed initiatives should
be fast tracked so that the monitoring and tracking systems/transponders RFID
tags are fitted in all types of vessels expeditiously. The Committee may also like
to recommend to take the help of DRDO a premier Defence Research Organisation
of the country in identification of various technologies and to address to the
constraints being faced in various trials.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

12. One of the mandated duties of Coast Guard Organisation is to provide

assistance and protection to fishermen at sea while in distress. As informed to
the Committee during the course of deliberations, humanitarian assistance,
search and rescue and fishermen helping are the daily operations of the Coast
Guard. The Committee note that at the time of a natural calamity in the coastal
areas, various Ministries/Departments play an important role. There is a National
Disaster Management Cell. The Indian Meteorological Department, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi is the main Department for weather forecast for Tsunami. Besides, the
Government of India has got a Tsunami warning centre. The task of off-shore
evacuation has been stated to be the responsibility of the concerned State
Governments. The Committee find that a lot of lessons need to be learnt post
recent Tsunamis which have played havoc and costed many lives. The most
important task during a natural disaster like tsunami is to disseminate the warning
of impending disaster and to evacuate the people residing in the area to a safe
location so as to avoid the large scale loss of life and destruction in such areas.
The Committee observe that during a natural calamity like Tsunami the Coast
Guard is the organisation which first comes in direct contact with the coastal
areas. As such all the initiatives should be taken to have a full proof coordinating
mechanism between the various agencies, Ministries, Departments of Union

59
Government and State Governments. There should be a structured mechanism
whereby the Coast Guard Organisation is immediately alerted about the predicted
natural disaster. The warning of the natural disaster should be telecast on real
time basis on Radio and Doordarshan. Coast Guard Organisation can also
disseminate the warnings through some other mechanisms like public address
system, etc. The Committee strongly recommend that the Ministry of Defence,
Coast Guard Organization should take up the issue with the concerned Ministries,
Departments, State Governments and related organisations and convey the
concern of the Committee so that the immediate action is taken up.

13. The Committee further observe that full proof telecommunication and
internet connectivity is the pre-requisite for a proper coordination mechanism
amongst various Ministries, Departments, State Governments and other
authorities responsible for warnings, evacuation and post Tsunami operations.
The Coast Guard Organisation can play an effective role in discharging its various
activities only when the warnings regarding disasters are instantly communicated.
Further, as suggested above, the news about the expected disaster can be
broadcast on Radio and Doordarshan on real time basis, only when various
technologies, telecom and internet connectivity, power supply remains intact
during a critical situation. The Committee may further like to emphasize that the
emerging state-of-the-art technologies over the world have actually redefined the
emerging threats from the sea. The positioning of latest and the state-of-the-art
force levels on our coastal borders to some extent act as a deterrent. However, for
proper functioning of all the technological equipments it is utmost necessary that
our connectivity which include telecommunication, internet and power
connectivity remains intact during the disaster which may be natural disaster or a
war like situation. As such there is an urgent need to have layers of alternate
telecommunication, internet and power supply networks. The Ministry of
Defence, Coast Guard Organisation should take up the issue with the concerned
Ministries/Departments so that Coast Guard Organisation remains connected even
in worst situation, particularly in the natural disasters.

60
CONTROLLING MARINE POLLUTION

14. The Coast Guard Act,1978 specifically mentions that one of the roles and
responsibilities of Coast Guard Organisation is taking such measures as are
necessary to preserve and protect the maritime environment and to prevent
and control marine pollution. The Coast Guard besides the charter of duties
enumerated in section 14(2) of the Coast Guard Act, has to undertake many other
duties. These include Protection of endangered species such as Whale Sharks,
Olive Ridley Turtles, etc and Coordination of international Coastal Clean-up Day
in September every year with the inter-governmental organization viz. South Asia
Cooperative for Environment Protection (SACEP).

The Committee appreciate the effort of the Coast Guard Organisation

regarding protection of the endangered species, viz. the Olive Ridley turtles
off Orissa coast. Such exclusive efforts may be initiated in connection
with protection of mangrove forests, coral reefs and other onshore as
well as offshore natural assets.

OIL SPILL

15. The Committee observe that oil spill is one of the major factor for marine
pollution. Besides, contaminating the sea water, oil spill causes great
environmental hazards and is harmful for flora and fauna in the ocean. The
Committee during the course of examination have been given the detailed
position of the oil leakage cases reported from 1982 to 15 August, 2010. The
analysis of the information reveal that 80 cases of oil spill have occurred in Indian
water during the aforesaid period. The Coast Guard coordinated oil spill response
in 75 cases of oil spill incidents. Out of these 75 cases in as many as 16 cases,

61
the quantity and type of oil spill could not be assessed . Besides only in 11 cases,
the amount of compensation could be received from the polluter. The aforesaid
scenario indicates that more needs to be done to strengthen our post oil spill
investigation and adjudication mechanism in case of oil spill. The various laws
related to compensation/adjudication need to be examined and reviewed. As such
the Coast Guard Organisation should take up the issue strongly with the
concerned Ministries, including the Ministry of Shipping.

16. The Committee understand that the Coast Guard is the Central Coordinating
Agency for combating oil spills in Indian waters in accordance with Allocation of
Business Rules, 1961. One of the initiative taken by the Coast Guard is to get
established the contingency plan and tier-I (upto 700 tons) pollution response
facility by relevant ports, oil handling agencies and the State Governments to
enable them to take up action systematically in the event of an oil spill. The
Committee during the course of deliberations have been informed that most of the
ports and oil handling agencies have established the contingency plan and tier-I
facility. However, the coastal States have not undertaken the task so far. The
Committee while expressing serious concern over the delay in finalizing the
contingency plans and establishing pollution response facility by the State
Governments would like the Ministry to pursue the matter so that such
contingency plan and pollution response facility are established within the definite
time period. Besides, the Committee would also like to know the name of the
ports and oil handling agencies which have not established the contingency plan
and the tier-I oil response facility. The Committee would also like to emphasize
that such ports and oil handling agencies should be directed to finalize the
contingency plan and pollution response facility without any further delay.

17. The Committee further note that entry of the ships/vessels who have
outlived their life is one of the important factor for oil spill in the ocean. When the
issue was raised during the course of deliberations, the Committee have been
apprised that it is under the administrative domain of the Ministry of shipping.
One of the suggestion made by the Coast Guard to prevent operation of sub-

62
standard ships is restriction of entry of vessels more than twenty five years in
territorial waters. The Committee find that sea has no boundaries and as such the
issue of entry of sub-standard ships in the ocean need to be addressed
internationally through various conventions and treaties. The Committee during
the course of deliberations have been informed that India is likely to sign the
OPRC HNS 2010 Protocol. The Ministry of Defence/Coast Guard should take up
the issue with the Ministry of Shipping and the issue of restricting entry of
ships/vessels more than 25 year old should be taken up at the international fora/
conferences so that some way out can be found to address the matter.

18. The Coast Guard during the course of deliberations have made various
other suggestions to address the issue of operation of sub-standard ships in the
Indian waters. Such suggestions include increasing the number of ship
inspections, targeting the vessels that are operated by flags which has history of
violating the standards of shipping vessels, strict checking of loading operations
at ports, avoiding loading operations of iron ore during monsoon and establishing
Emergency Towing Vessels during monsoon to assist the vessels in emergency.
The Committee feel that the aforesaid suggestions merit consideration and need
to be pursued with the concerned Ministries/Departments. Besides guidelines
need to be prepared with regard to periodic checking, inspections of ships, etc.
The concrete initiatives in this regard should be taken and the Committee
informed accordingly.

19. The Committee have been apprised that the Coast Guard has recommended
MoS to establish the necessary framework and modalities for implementation of
the HNS response system, prior acceding to the OPRC HNS protocol. In this
connection, the Committee find that the Coast Guard has certain constraints. The
Coast Guard has intimated MoS that the service is not ready at present to
shoulder the responsibility of HNS pollution as it requires specialized training,
skill, equipment, protective gears, monitoring gadgets, availability of scientific
inputs and enormous coordination to undertake any response actions. The
Committee may again like to emphasise that the Coast Guard has been designated

63
as the central coordinating agency for combating oil spills in Indian waters. The
Coast Guard being not well-equipped to take up the responsibility of HNS
pollution is the matter of serious concern. The Committee strongly recommend
that capacity building of Coast Guard in this direction should be given utmost
importance and the officials should be imparted specialized training, besides
creating the desired infrastructure so as to enable it to address for the challenge
of HNS pollution.

MANPOWER AND TRAINING

20. The Committee have been informed that the acceptable teeth to tail ratio
maintained by any maritime force is normally 1:2 i.e. for every one person at sea
two are placed ashore, so that they can replace man at sea at regular intervals.
Whereas Indian Navy generally maintains the set 1:2 ratio which is the minimum
requirement but in case of Coast Guard the teeth to tail ratio is 2:1 resulting into
longer sea time and frequent transfers. What is more disturbing is the fact that
there are huge gaps between the sanctioned and the existing strength of
personnel at various levels. The Coast Guard has a sanctioned strength for 12446
personnel whereas the borne strength is 8718, the overall shortage being 34.94%.
If the shortage category wise is taken into consideration, the said shortage in
civilian category is more acute i.e. 41.84%. In case of officers the shortage is
36.23% and for enrolled personnel the shortage is 26.77%.

The Committee during the course of deliberations have been informed that
the major constraint in bridging the gap between the sanctioned and borne
strength is non-availability of a dedicated training academy for the Coast Guard
Organisation. As per the existing system the officers and enrolled personnel are
sent to naval training establishment for basic and downstream training. The
Committee have further been apprised that the setting up of dedicated Coast
Guard academy has been envisaged in Coast Guard revised Eleventh Plan and
approval in principle has been accorded by the Government on 12 th October, 2010.
Subsequently, 164 acre land has been acquired at the identified location at

64
Azhikkal, Kerala and even Honble Raksha Mantri has also laid foundation stone
for the academy on 28 th May, 2011. The Committee strongly recommend that the
dedicated Coast Guard Academy should be set up expeditiously which would
certainly pace up the induction of Coast Guard personnel at various levels.

21. The Committee have been apprised that efforts are being made for filling up
the post of 649 civilian personnel through SSC/local recruitment which according
to the Ministry would take considerable time. The Committee may like to
recommend that the vacancies should be properly advertised through press and
electronic media. The advertisement may, particularly, be given in the regional
newspapers. With regard to the shortage of officers in the Coast Guard, the
Committee may like to emphasize for filling the vacancies by recruitment
examination and campus placements. The Committee feel that the Ministry/Coast
Guard may consider the persons living in shore areas/coastal villages and river
estuary areas for the post of sailors as they are well-versed with water. The
Committee strongly recommend that all the suggested measures should be taken
so as to fill the gap between the sanctioned and borne strength of the Coast Guard
at various levels within the definite time frame.

22. The Ministry during the course of deliberations has acknowledged that there
is no second alternative for physical patrolling at sea. Not only that the
incidents/threats from sea have increased over the years. The challenges for the
coast guard have increased manifold post 26/11 scenario. The Committee,
therefore strongly recommend that the existing teeth to tail ratio of 2:1 with the
Coast Guard should be immediately reviewed to 1:2 i.e. at par with Navy and is the
acceptable teeth to tail ratio for any Maritme force.

23. The Committee find that the Coast Guard Organisation is a multi task
agency. Besides, the challenging role of the Coast Guard in war time situation,
the mandate of Coast Guard includes multiple peace time operations of various
types like preservation and protection of marine environment and anti smuggling
operation, protection of fishermen at sea, etc. To handle the multi task it is
utmost necessary that Coast Guard personnel are provided the requisite training.

65
The Committee during the course of examination have found that the service is
not ready at present to shoulder the responsibility of HNS pollution. As such the
Committee strongly recommend that the training curriculum of Coast Guard
personnel should be such that it results into capacity building of the personnel to
handle the multiple tasks which include certain technical tasks. The Committee
may further like to add that besides the proposed inductions of latest state-of-the-
art force level, it is utmost necessary that persons behind these machines
equipments are well trained. As such while signing various agreements for
acquisitions it should be ensured that the deals contain provisions for training of
the Coast Guard personnel in manning/handling and maintenance the latest
technology.

ANTI PIRACY

24. The Committee find that the constant piracy/robbery threats by Somalian
pirates in the Indian Ocean is an area of concern. The major volume of Indias
trade is through sea route. The issue of vulnerability to piracy/robbery need to be
addressed on an urgent basis since it affects our strategic maritime interests. As
such all the desired initiatives need to be taken to create safe and secure maritime
environment. In this context, the Committee in 12 th Report on Demands for Grants
(2011-12) have recommended the Government to consider setting up of a separate
unit to deal with the anti piracy operations. The Committee while reiterating their
earlier recommendation would like the Government to consider the aforesaid
recommendation on an urgent basis.

The Committee find from the information furnished by the Ministry of

Defence that the Ministry of Defence/Coast Guard has not maintained
record/statistics for Indians taken hostages by Somalian pirates. However, with
regard to Indian crew, the Committee have been informed that a total of 490 Indian
crew were taken as hostages by the Somalian pirates in the last three years. So
far as the position with regard to crew Members still in the custody of the pirates

66
is concerned, the Committee have been informed that 437 crew members have
been released and 53 are still in captivity. The Committee are concerned to note
the response of the Ministry of Defence that the Coast Guard has no role in
negotiation with Somalian pirates for the release of Indian crew. The negotiations
are initiated by the concerned shipping company. The Committee observe that the
efforts made by the Government for release of the Indians held hostages by the
Somalian Pirates are insufficient and even today many of the Indians have been
held hostages for considerable period of time. The Committee would like to
strongly recommend to the Ministry to coordinate with the concerned
Ministries/agencies so as to ensure that the Indians held hostages are released
without any further delay.

25. The Committee may further like to refer to the Group of Ministers Report,
2001 on Reforming the National Security Systems, whereby it has been suggested
that the laws and procedures relating to detention and prosecution of poachers
and confiscation of boats need to be tightened and the concerned
Ministries/Departments of the Government of India should consider setting up the
Maritime Courts or alternatively giving powers of prosecution and detention to the
Coast Guard and the Marine Police. The Committee while endorsing the views of
the Group of Ministers would like the Government to consider the aforesaid
suggestion keeping in view the increased threats of piracy and robbery by the
poachers/ pirates.

LEAD INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

26. The Coast Guard Organisation has been additionally designated as the Lead
Intelligence Agency for maritime, coastal and sea borders. The representative of
the Ministry has informed that the DGICG will be designated as Commander
Coastal Command and will be responsible for overall coordination between
Central and State agencies in all matters related to Coastal security. Besides the
Coastal security, other mandated duties of the Organisation are providing

67
assistance to customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations,
providing seaward security during the VIP visits to the various metros as
requested by various Police Authorities/State Governments, seaward clearance
around the area whenever there is a satellite launch or missile is tested
(Sriharikota and Chandipur), enforcement of anti-poaching measures, monitoring
and surveillance of Deep Sea Fishing etc. All these tasks involve intelligence
gathering and quick dissemination of information .

In this connection, the Committee may like to observe that there is an

urgent need to have a structured mechanism whereby the information by different
intelligence gathering agencies is shared instantly with the Coast Guard
Organisation which has been designated as the lead intelligence agency for
maritime coastal and sea borders. Intelligence gathering and sharing is a
technical task and as such the Coast Guard personnel need to be imparted
specialized training to ensure that the Coast Guard perform the task of lead
intelligence agency for maritime coastal and sea borders effectively. The
Committee may also like to recommend that the fishermen and the coastal
communities living in the coastal areas are the first to notice any suspicious
activity in area. As such the confidence should be built in them so that they are
more involved in intelligence gathering and sharing.

FEDERAL APEX BODY

27. Coastal Security involves many agencies and proper coordination among
those agencies is quintessence for fool proof coastal security. And specially
under the present circumstances, no stone may be left unturned to gear up zero
tolerance coastal security network. The Committee comprehend that lack of
appropriate coordination and information sharing between the concerned
agencies is a relevant problem in strengthening the Coastal security chain. This
was previously apprehended in the Group of Ministers Report on Reforming the
National Security System in 2001 wherein it was recommended to form a Single
window federal apex body. However, no such body has yet been formed.

68
 The Committee find that the recommendation made in the Group of
Ministers Report for a single window federal apex body merit consideration and
as such the recommendation should be considered positively by the Government.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

28. The Committee during the course of examination of the subject have been
apprised that Indian Coast Guard has institutionalized joint exercise programme
with Japan Coast Guard (JCG), Korea Coast Guard (KCG) and Maldives Coast
Guard. The service is also in the process of signing MoUs with Coast Guards of
many countries for assisting each other in case of search and rescue, anti-piracy
and other trans-national crimes and issues pertaining to oil spill disaster. The
Committee again emphasize that sea has no boundaries and as such threat from
the sea need to be addressed internationally. While appreciating the aforesaid
initiatives being taken by the Indian Coast Guard, the Committee may like the
Indian Coast Guard to continue the efforts and joint exercise programmes may be
undertaken more regularly and with other countries having coastal areas.

NEW DELHI;
SATPAL MAHARAJ,
7 December, 2011 Chairman,
16 Agrahayana, 1933 (Saka) Standing Committee on Defence

69
MINUTES OF THE SECOND SITTING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE
(2010-11)

The Committee sat on Thursday, the 21st October, 2010 from 1500 to 1745 hrs. in
Committee Room `D, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

PRESENT

Shri Satpal Maharaj - Chairman

MEMBERS

LOK SABHA
2 Shri Harish Chaudhary
3. Shri Kamal Kishor Commando
4 Dr. Sucharu Ranjan Haldar
5 Shri Kapil Muni Karwariya
6 Shri Bhaskar Rao Patil Khatgaonkar
7 Shri Asaduddin Owaisi
8 Shri A.T. Nana Patil
9 Shri Amarnath Pradhan
10 Shri C. Rajendran
11 Shri J. Ramesh
12 Shri Mahabali Singh
13 Rajkumari Ratna Singh

RAJYA SABHA

14 Shri Avinash Rai Khanna

15 Prof. P.J. Kurien
16 Shri Mukut Mithi
17 Shri Birender Singh
18 Shri M.V. Mysura Reddy

SECRETARIAT

1. Shri T. K. Mukherjee - Joint Secretary

2. Smt. Sudesh Luthra - Director
3. Smt. Jyochna mayi Sinha - Deputy Secretary

70
 NON OFFICIAL WITNESSES

1. Dr. N.S. Sisodia, IDSA

2. Shri Vinod Misra, IDSA
WITNESSES

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

1. Shri Pradeep Kumar - Defence Secretary

2. Smt. Nita Kapoor - Secretary (Def.Fin.)
3. Shri R.K. Mathur - Addl Secy. (M)
4. Shri Vivek Rae, - Director-General (Acquisition)

5. Shri Binoy Kumar - JS(O/N)

6. Smt. Preeti Sudan - JS&AM(MS)
7. Shri Ramesh Kumar - JS&Addl. FA(R)

Representatives of the Indian Coast Guard

1. V Adml. Anil Chopra, DGICG

2. IG Rajendra singh, DDG CG
3. IG S.K. Goyal, DDG (M&M)
4. IG K. Natarajan, DDG (P&P)
5. IG VSR Murthy, TM, DDG (Ops)
6. DIG B.K. Patasahani, PD (HRD)
7. DIG K.R. Suresh, Director (Ops)
8. Commdt T. Sashi Kumar, CGA to DG

2. At the outset Honble Chairman welcomed the members to the sitting of the
Committee convened to take oral evidence of the representatives of the Institute of
Defence Studies and Analyses on the subject Performance of Defence Research
Laboratories with special reference to Indigenisation and self reliance in Defence
Production and also to take oral evidence of the representatives of the Ministry of
Defence on the subject `Performance of Coast Guard Organisation.

The representatives of Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses

were then called in

71
 3. The Honble Chairman welcomed the witnesses and drew their attention to the
Direction 58 of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha regarding maintaining
confidentiality of the deliberations and requested them to furnish their views on the
various aspects related to examination of the subject Performance of Defence
Research Laboratories with special reference to Indigenisation and self reliance in
Defence Production.

4. Dr. N.S. Sisodia and Shri Vinod Misra, representatives of the Institute of
Defence Studies and Analyses thereafter deposed before the Committee and made
valuable suggestions for the effective functioning of DRDO Laboratories. One of the
expert while presenting his views also made reference to Dr. P. Rama Rao Committee
Report on restructuring of DRDO. The experts also responded to the queries made
by the members of the Committee during the deliberations.

The representatives of Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses then

withdrew.

The Representatives of Ministry of Defence and Indian Coast Guard

Organisation were then called in.

5. The Honble Chairman welcomed the representatives of the Ministry of Defence and
Indian Coast Guard Organisation and drew their attention to Direction 58 of the Directions
by the Speaker, Lok Sabha regarding maintaining confidentiality of the deliberations. The
representatives then deposed before the Committee on the subject `Performance of Coast
Guard Organisation. Various issues related to the functioning of the Coast Guard
Organisation which include Organisational setup, roles and functions, enhanced role after
26/11 Mumbai Attack, Recent Coastal Security initiatives, pollution response, lead
intelligence agency, community interaction, force level, infrastructure and manpower were
elaborated by the witnesses through power point presentation. The representatives also
responded to the various queries raised by the members during the deliberations.

72
6. The members of the Committee expressed serious concern over the non-
availability of Dr. P. Rama Rao Committee Report on restructuring of DRDO by the
Ministry of Defence as desired by the Committee on the earlier occasions due to
confidentiality. The members observed that whereas the recommendations made in the
aforesaid report are being quoted in the media reports, they are being deprived of the
same. The Defence Secretary stated that the matter would be discussed with the Honble
Minister of Defence due to report being classified in nature.

The witnesses then withdrew

7. The Committee after deliberations decided to undertake on the spot study visit to

the Defence Research Laboratories located in Delhi to know about the functioning of

these laboratories in a better way which would help the Committee in making various

recommendations in the report on the subject `Performance of Defence Research

Laboratories with particular reference to indigenisation and self reliance in defence

production taken by them for examination during the year 2010-11.

8. In connection with examination of the subjects Functioning of Military Cantonment

and Stations and Management of Defence Lands which have been selected by the

Committee (2010-11) from the stage the predecessor Committee had left, the Committee

desired to seek the opinion of the State Governments having large number of Military

Cantonments, Stations and Defence Land followed by evidence at a later stage to

understand the problems of Military Cantonments as also decided by the predecessor

Committee for better understanding of the subjects after obtaining the requisite

permission of Honble Speaker in this regard.

The Committee then adjourned.

The verbatim record of the proceedings has been kept.

73
 STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE (2011-12)

MINUTES OF THE SECOND SITTING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON

DEFENCE (2011-12)

The Committee sat on Friday, the 4th November, 2011 from 1500 hrs. to 1545 hrs.
in Committee Room B, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

PRESENT

Shri Satpal Maharaj - Chairman

MEMBERS

LOK SABHA

2. Shri Kamal Kishor `Commando

3. Shri Harish Choudhary
4. Shri Sher Singh Ghubaya
5. Shri Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi
6. Shri Ajay Kumar
7. Shri Mithlesh Kumar
8. Shri Sadashivrao Dadoba Mandlik
9. Shri Asaduddin Owaisi
10. Shri A.T. Nana Patil
11. Shri Kadir Rana
12 Shri Adhalrao Patil Shivaji
13. Rajkumari Ratna Singh

RAJYA SABHA

14. Shri Avinash Rai Khanna

15. Professor P.J. Kurien
16. Shri T.K. Rangarajan
17. Shri Mukut Mithi
18. Shri Birender Singh
19. Shri Ram Kripal Yadav
20. Shri Naresh Gujral

74
 SECRETARIAT

1. Shri T. K. Mukherjee - Joint Secretary

2. Shrimati Sudesh Luthra - Director
3. Shri Sanjeev Sharma - Deputy Secretary

2. At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the members to the sitting of the
Committee. The Committee then took up for consideration and adoption the draft Report
on the subject Performance of Coast Guard Organisation.

3. After some deliberations the Committee adopted the report with the following
modifications:-

(i) Page 60, Para No. 26 last line

After the words `in manning/handling, the words `and maintenance be

added to read the sentence as `As such while signing various agreements
for acquisitions it should be ensured that the deals contain provisions for
training of the Coast Guard personnel in manning/handling as well as
maintenance of the latest technology.

(ii) On page 60 Para No. 27,

This para to be amplified so as to emphasise to strengthen the anti-piracy

initiatives being taken by the Coast Guard so as to ensure the release of
the persons held hostages by the pirates after getting the requisite
information from the Ministry on the number of Indians who have been
held hostages by the Somalian and other pirates and the efforts made by
the Government for release of the Indian hostages.

(iii) Page 48, Para No. 6,

After the end of the para 6, a new para expressing the concerns of the
Committee on the number of equipments, sensors, communication
equipments, other sophisticated gadgets and fleet such as
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 helicopters/aircrafts with Coast Guard lying non-operational may be added
after seeking the requisite information from the Ministry.

4. The Committee also authorised the Chairman to finalise the above draft report
and present the same to the House on a date convenient to him during the ensuing
session of Parliament. The Committee, then, decided to hold their next sitting on 16th
November, 2011.

The Committee then adjourned.

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