Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 8: The Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration, in collaboration with the Police Marine Force, A&N Police, conducted a joint awareness programme on Coastal Security today at the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill. The programme aimed to enhance understanding and preparedness regarding coastal security threats such as smuggling, illegal immigration, piracy, terrorism, and other unlawful activities in the maritime domain. The training was specifically designed for Area Fishery Officers and Sagar Mitras across all three districts of the A&N Islands. While officers from South Andaman attended the session physically, participants from North and Middle Andaman and Nicobar districts joined the programme virtually.
Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, Director of Fisheries inaugurated the programme. Speaking on the occasion, she emphasized the importance of sensitizing fisheries officials on coastal security matters and highlighted the crucial role played by the Department of Fisheries in maintaining vigil along the coastline. She also underlined the importance of coordination between multiple stakeholders like Police, Fisheries, other coastal security agencies and coastal communities to build an integrated coastal surveillance network. She urged all officers to remain alert, proactive, and responsive in identifying and reporting any suspicious activity during their field visits and interactions with fishermen.
Further, Shri M K Shukla, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), Police Marine Force, Shri Vijaya Puram, addressed the participants and elaborated on the role of the Police Marine Force in ensuring coastal security. He stressed the importance of field-level awareness and quick response, stating that many untoward incidents could be prevented through timely alertness and effective inter-agency coordination. He urged officials to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious activities or potential threats encountered during their field duties, particularly in and around Fish Landing Centres and harbours and inform found suspicious activities to the Police Marine Force. He also informed the Department that thorough verification of Fishermen ID Cards will be carried out at Fish Landing Centres to enhance the security of the Islands. Additionally, he recommended that officials to encourage fishermen venturing into distant waters to operate in pairs to ensure greater safety during fishing activities. Shri Gireesh Kumar, Inspector (PMF) also spoke on the occasion.
The programme also included an interactive session where officials shared field-level challenges related to coastal surveillance. The prominent ground issues of Fish Landing Centres such as lack of monitoring infrastructure and the need for better community engagement were discussed in detail with the police team. Suggestions were made to strengthen security through regular joint patrols, community sensitization drives, and improved communication channels between fisheries officials and the police marine force.
The awareness programme ended on a positive and constructive note, with all participants reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the maritime boundaries of the Islands.