Panaji:
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is adding teeth to its armour. On Wednesday in Goa, the agency charged with handling India's costal security inducted yet another indigenous ship, the ICGS Vishwast, meant to keep terror from landing on our shores.
Designed and built at the Goa Shipyard Limited, the Vishwast comes with the most high-tech communication and navigation tools. Here's a gist of the features:
- 90 metre vessel, maximum speed 26 knots
- Can spend 17 days at a stretch at sea without any replenishment
- Will carry one Advance Light Helicopter
- Will carry 5 high-speed boats
- Has a 30mm gun
"It's more modern and sophisticated than earlier vessels. This is the first in the new generation of vessels. The vessels we had earlier we more manpower intensive, the 'Vishwast' is more user friendly and more automated. By looking at the controls our men can figure out the level of oil, which door is open on the deck." says Commandant S Paramesh, the ship's commanding officer.
Over the next 5 years the Centre plans to spend 400 crore on coastal security. Apart from developing a remote-controlled coastal surveillance network , by the year end, the focus will be to acquire and build:
- 7 Off-shore Patrol Vessels
- 20 Fast Patrol Vessels
- 6 Hovercrafts
- 41 Interceptor Boats
- 40 Coastal Police Stations
"26/11 is far behind us now, we have taken efforts to augment facilities whether in capability, infrastructure or surveillance. There hasn't been another mishap since 26/11 because deterrence has worked, and that's what we are continuing to work on," says Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Director General of the ICG.
"We have been working hard to get fishermen to become our eyes and ears, as they are the first line of defence," adds Inspector General S P S Basra, COMCG (West).
Seven other offshore patrol vessels like the Vishwast will be inducted in the months ahead into the country's coastal security system. Given that India continues to be on the terror radar, hopefully vessels like this will help bridge the gap between security and vulnerability.