Entire coast of TN to come under surveillance by next week

Chennai:

The entire Tamil Nadu coast will come under surveillance with the launch of chain of static sensors in the next seven to 10 days, according to Inspector-General, Coast Guard (Region East), Commander Satya Prakash Sharma.

Sharma told reporters here on Wednesday that seven radar stations in coastal Tamil Nadu would be operating under two remote operative stations controlled by the remote operating center in Coastguard headquarters in Chennai.

The chain of static sensors is the first of its kind in terms of both expanse and strategic implication. “The coastguard would be able to keep a vigil on any ship in the range of 24 nautical miles (48 km), fishing boat in the range of 15-20 km and a catamaran in the range of 3-5 km,” Sharma said.

The chain of static sensor project along the Indian coast was conceptualized by the Group of Ministers on reforming national security system post Kargil, and was provided impetus post 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is executing the project at a cost of Rs 601.75 Crore. The project would also aid in enhancing the efficiency of Search and Rescue (SAR) operation coordinated by the Coast Guard. The sensor data is generated by the Coastal Surveillance Network would also be shared with other maritime agencies via various networks to generate a comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness

Sharma said the frequency diversity radar would have electro-optic sensor, VHF sets and metrological equipment on existing light houses or masts erected at each sites and is aimed at preventing undetected intrusion of vessels along the Indian coastline.

Currently, the coast of Tamil Nadu and Puduchery would have seven radar stations. These include Kanyakumari, Manapad, Pandian Tivu, Keelakarai, Puduchery, Kodikarai and Chennai. The data of Kanyakumari, Manapad, Pandian Tivu and Keelakarai would be monitored by Remote Operative Station in Tuticorin while Chennai ROS will be getting the feed from Puduchery, Kodikarai and Chennai radar station in Light house. The data will then be sent to Remote Operating Centre Building in Coastguard headquarters. 

Sharma said this would boost the coastal security of the eastern coast. Interestingly, the remote operating center in Chennai will also be monitoring the data from remote operating station in Vishakapatnam, which would get the feeds from Krishnapatnam, Ramyapatnam, Sacramento, Dolphin’s nose, Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam,” added Sharma.