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Indian Government tightens coastline surveillance

Indian Government tightens coastline surveillance

Mumbai: India's The Union Ministry of Shipping plans to develop a low cost satellite to monitor ships and vessels operating in Indian coastal waters. The move comes as the country's financial capital is recovering from the horrific terrorist attacks by individuals said to have arrived in the country via sea.

According to a report by the Business Standard, the ministry's department is in talks with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop the satellite, which would watch vessel movements, especially tracking small and fishing vessels that operate in the Indian waters. The ministry is also said to be planning to create a new commando force exclusively for ports that would respond to any maritime threats.

Additionally government officials have also said to have called for a segregation of trade ports and fishing harbours in order to tighten security at the ports. The government may also propose a resolution for compulsory registration of fishing vessels operating close to major ports.  [31/12/08]