GUARD OF HONOUR: Director-General of Indian Coast Guard Vice-Admiral Arun Kumar Singh at the inauguration of the Pondicherry station of Coast Guard on Friday. — Photo: T. Singaravelou

Pondicherry: Director General of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Vice- Admiral Arun Kumar Singh has said that the ICG is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of life and property in the maritime zones of India. Commissioning the Pondicherry station of Coast Guard on Veerampattinam road in Kakkayanthope village in Ariankuppam commune panchayat limits near here on Friday he said that the 7516 km long Indian coastline needed more Coast Guard assets and also coast guard stations for timely and better coordination in the Search and Rescue region and to carry out anti smuggling, pollution response, anti poaching and maritime security activities.

Twentieth unit

He said that the coast guard station commissioned in Pondicherry was the twentieth unit and had been chosen on the basis of the requirements of the Coast Guard to increase security in the southern stretch of the coastline.

The station would provide the much-needed boost to the efforts of the ICG towards protection of the fishermen in distress in this area.

Acknowledging gratefully the support available from the Pondicherry Administration in acquiring land for the infrastructure development of the new station, Mr. Singh said that the station would allow timely support to the fishermen and also boost speedy relief operations during natural calamities besides providing necessary impetus to the coastal security requirements.

The station in Pondicherry would initially have one interceptor boat and one interceptor craft for quick response to the search and rescue operations, to provide maritime security and carry out anti smuggling operations and these assets would be augmented from time to time.

Earlier the Director General inspected a guard of honour presented by the personnel of the Coast Guard.

Commander Coast Guard Region (East) Inspector- General R.Singh, the Member of Parliament M. Ramadoss and host of officials were among those present.

Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Station of Pondicherry Commandant N.Somasundaram read out the warrant relating to the commissioning of the station.

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