NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, AUG 25
Director General of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) K Natarajan, PVSM, PTM, TM called on the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday.
DG Coast Guard apprised the Chief Minister on several facets of the service and gave insight into the various developments envisaged for strengthening the Coastal Security construct of the state of Tamil Nadu.
The Director General also briefed the Chief Minister about major operations undertaken by ICG which included fire fighting on board MT New Diamond and MV X-Press Pearl thereby preventing a major ecological disaster in the southern coast of India.
Conduct of various anti-smuggling operations resulting in seizure of gold, narcotics, Arms, sea cucumber, cannabis, etc, also featured in the discussion.
He briefed about saving of precious lives including fishermen of Tamil Nadu in various SAR operations. Preventive measures by the Indian Coast Guard resulted in no loss of lives at sea amidst the cyclones in Bay of Bengal in recent times.
The Director General acknowledged the efforts and support of the state Govt in strengthening Coastal Security mechanism.
Residential flats for ICG staff inaugurated
A multi-storey residential complex of the Coast Guard with 308 units at Ayapakkam in Chennai was inaugurated by DG K Natarajan, PVSM, PTM, TM, Director General Indian Coast Guard today in the presence of Senior Officers from Coast Guard, Officials of TNHB and various Defence and Civil Dignitaries.
Given the complex maritime security environment, the Indian Coast Guard is witnessing an exponential growth in terms of afloat units and operational infrastructure to meet the maritime challenges.
Presently, there are approximate 1,200 personnel stationed at Chennai for serving in such operational afloat and ashore Coast Guard Units. This basic amenity to men in uniform was constructed by TN Housing Board for Indian Coast Guard.
The Director General Indian Coast Guard in his address, highlighted the numerous measures that have been initiated by the force for enhancing coastal security and also appreciated the yeoman service rendered by Indian Coast Guard personnel towards keeping seas clean, safe and secure, said a release from Defence PRO.
