Port Blair, Dec 18: The Coast Guard District Headquarters-14 (South and Little Andaman), the third Coast Guard District Headquarters in the Andaman & Nicobar group of Islands was formally established by the Inspector General VSR Murthy, PTM, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region (A&N) on 18 Dec 13. The naming ceremony and unveiling of Ceremonial Lifebuoy was performed by Mrs. Jyoti Murthy, President Coast Guard Wives Welfare Association (Tatrakshika) Andaman & Nicobar. The function was attended by Shri Balaji Srivastava, IGP, officers from ANC and Coast Guard.
The establishment of the District Headquarters-14 is part of the 12th Coast Guard Developmental Plan, which has taken cognizance of the dynamics of maritime security cum strategic importance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands vis-a-vis its proximity to Littoral States and also the manifold increase in CG responsibilities and infrastructure at Port Blair. The CG DHQ-14 will coordinate and undertake operations towards ensuring immediate response to any distress situation, medical emergency at sea, anti-poaching operations and respond to any threat to the fragile marine environment of Andaman Islands. The District Headquarters will also cater to the requirement of operational turnaround (OTR) for CG ship deployed in Andaman Group of Islands.
In his address, IG VSR Murthy, lauded the efforts of the units which withstood the rigours of the aftermath of the Cyclone “Lehar”, when they were deployed immediately after crossing of Cyclone, and saved 32 precious lives at sea, thus giving credence to the Indian Coast Guard motto “Vayam Rakshamah”- it means “We Protect”. He also highlighted that Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands had appreciated and commended the prompt Search and Rescue efforts by Coast Guard ships and aircrafts in challenging sea and weather conditions, which resulted in saving of large number of fisherman. Such prompt response with professionalism and commitment by the Coast Guard would certainly go a long way in cementing and redeeming the faith reposed by the maritime and fishing community on the Organization.
Commandant PR Lochen is the District Commander of the newly established Coast Guard District Headquarters-14(South and Little Andaman), who is also the Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station, Port Blair. The District Headquarters will function under the overall operational and administrative control of the Commander Coast Guard Region (A&N).
