Port Blair, Feb 24: As many has 16 agencies have joined hand to ensure coastal security around, strategically located Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As part of Coastal Security initiatives, the Coast Guard, A & N Region conducted Table Top Exercise on Friday involving various stake holders of Coastal Security for conduct of next Coastal Security Exercise, Tatsuraksha in Andamans.
“The Table Top Exercise was conducted recently in the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters Conference hall and was attended by 29 representatives of 16 agencies including Mr KB Singh, IFS Conservator of Forest, Mr RK Rathee, Assistant Divisional Magistrate (South Andaman), Mr Gurmeet Singh, Dy SP(CID) & officers from Defence services,” a release from Coast Guard said here today.
Operation Tatsuraksha is frequently conducted in Andamans, considering the growing threat of intrusion or other coastal threats.
Various Central and State agencies like A&N Administration, A&N police, Fisheries department, Forest department, Marine police, Port Management Board (PMB), Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Light House authorities and Customs department get actively involved in the exercise.
“Moreover, a Special Community Interaction Programme was also organized in association with the Department of Fisheries at 05 places viz. Diglipur, Hut Bay, Rangat, Haddo and Guptapara at Port Blair. Altogether, 200 Fishermen participated during interaction programme. The awareness drive was aimed at spreading awareness towards Coastal Security & to re-emphasize the responsibility of fishing community towards the Coastal Security setup and their role as ‘Eyes and Ears’ of the security agencies in run up to prepare for Coastal Security Exercise,” the release added. The next Coastal Security Exercise is scheduled from 09th to 11th April 2013.
