Context: Coastal Security
The Union Government has decided to bring nearly 1,200 fishing harbours and fish landing centres under the security oversight of the Central Industrial Security Force to strengthen India’s coastal security and maritime surveillance framework.
Key Highlights
- CISF has already been designated the security regulator for 250+ seaports.
- The framework will now be extended to fishing harbours and landing centres.
- CISF will develop security protocols, biometric identification systems, Smart Identity Cards and access-control mechanisms.
- Day-to-day administration will continue with State Governments and Union Territory administrations.
Objective
- Prevent infiltration
- Prevent smuggling
- Prevent trafficking
- Prevent illegal fishing
- Strengthen maritime security
Central Industrial Security Force — Basics
- Established: 1969
- Statutory basis: Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968
- Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs
- One of the Central Armed Police Forces
Functions of CISF
CISF provides security to:
- Airports
- Seaports
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
- Nuclear installations
- Space establishments
- Public Sector Undertakings
- Other critical infrastructure
It also undertakes security audits and consultancy services.
Coastal Security and Fisheries Facts
- Total coastline of India: around 7,516.6 km
- Coastal States: 9
- Coastal Union Territories: 4
- Longest coastline among States: Gujarat, around 1,600 km
- Shortest coastline among States: Goa
- Longest coastline among Union Territories: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- India’s Exclusive Economic Zone: around 2.37 million sq km
- Fishing vessels and fishermen are considered the first line of maritime surveillance.
Prelims PYQ Linkage
- UPSC CSE Prelims 2023: Rajasthan shares the longest international border among Indian States; Uttar Pradesh shares boundaries with the highest number of States.
- Similar map-based questions can be asked on coastal States, longest coastline, island groups, fishing harbours and maritime security institutions.
