Krishan Puri asked: What are the contours of a technological road map to ensure coastal security?

Manoranjan Srivastava replies: Technological advancements in surveillance mechanisms have the potential to make coastal security more robust. In India, the technological solutions have been efficiently utilized and integrated to enhance effectiveness of coastal security.

Electronics surveillance of maritime zones, for instance, provides an effective layer of security in day and night as well as in all weather conditions. Post 26/11, a Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) project was implemented for purposes of electronic surveillance. In Phase-I of CSN, 46 coastal radars have been established along the Indian coast including 10 radars in the island territories. The surveillance equipment at radar sites includes Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), Electro-Optic (EO) sensors, Charged Coupled Device (CCD) Cameras, long range thermal imagers, etc.

In order to provide a near-gap free electronic surveillance, Phase-II of the CSN project was envisaged. The ongoing Phase-II of CSN includes 38 additional static radar stations, 8 Mobile Surveillance Systems (MSS) and the integration of Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) of Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambat.

In addition, the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) has established a National Automatic Identification System (NAIS) chain in which AIS sensors and related equipment have been installed at 87 existing lighthouses. The NAIS network, which includes 87 Physical Shore Stations (PSS), 6 Regional Control Centres (RCC), 2 Coastal Control Centres (CCC) and a National Data Centre (NDC), facilitates in providing an overall image of AIS-compliant vessels along the Indian coastline.

The DG Shipping in 2009 has established the Indian National Data Centre (INDC) for Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) of ships. The Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) Gurugram is the nodal centre of the National Command Control Communications and Intelligence Network (NC3I). The NC3I network helps in obtaining a Common Operational Picture. Transponders are being fitted in sub-20 metres boats operating at sea to enable two-way communication. Satellite-based applications and services are also being used for safety and security purposes.

In addition, technology has enabled systems and measures such as the ReALCRaft, an online facility for Vessel Registration and Biometric cards and QR code-enabled Aadhar cards to fishermen which helps in strengthening coastal security.

Views expressed are of the expert and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Manohar Parrikar IDSA or the Government of India.