IndiaPost.com - Coast Guard against Sethu Project

NEW DELHI: Amid continuing controversy over the Sethusamudram project, Coast Guard Chief Vice Admiral R F Contractor said proposed shipping canal would lead to "more security problems" for India.

"Projects like the Sethusamudram could bring in more security problems... The small waterway could prove a security risk," he said at a press conference here when asked about terror threat coming from the seas.

Asked if Coast Guard had conveyed the security threat perception to the Government, Contractor said both the Navy and his force had been asked to give their views as a prelude to the project being cleared.

The Admiral added that adequate protective measures would be put in place once the project is operational. "Like other channels world over, a protective ring can be set up to meet such threats," Contractor said referring to Panama Canal, Malacca straits as well Suez Canal.

The project is already surrounded by a controversy as BJP and other Hindu groups are opposed to it and the matter is now before the Supreme Court.

As part of new measures to ward off terror threats coming from sea, piracy in international waters and sea-jackings, Contractor said proposals have been mooted for acquisition of six multi-mission maritime surveillance aircraft. "Such aircraft would give us the capability to mount round-the-clock vigil around our coastline with eyes from the skies," he said.

The Coast Guard also intends to increase the fleet of warships from 161 to 217 by 2012. Coast Guard has also floated proposals for induction of twin-engined helicopters for faster deployment during emergencies.

Turning to situation on the crucial Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar waterways bordering Sri Lanka, where the Sri Lankan forces and LTTE cadres are locked in fierce battles, the Coast Guard chief said his force was maintaining a round-the-clock air and sea vigil on the seas.

With reports coming in of possibilities of LTTE cadres, reported to be facing pressure from Sri Lankan army sneaking in Southern mainland, Contractor said migration of Tamils during 2007 and initial weeks of the new year had gone down after touching a high of 16,619 last year.

"We already have mounted a strong vigil on the country's southern coastal waters," he said, adding "security centers are active at all places where migrant boats berth and antecedents of all refugees are being checked".