Sri Vijaya Puram, July 28: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration on 27 July reviewed the Union Territory’s coastal security framework, with senior civil, police and defence officials assessing preparedness, surveillance and coordination mechanisms to strengthen maritime security across the islands. The high-level meeting focused on improving inter-agency cooperation, operational readiness and timely implementation of measures aimed at enhancing coastal security.
The 7th Union Territory Level Coastal Security Committee (UTLCSC) meeting was held at the Conference Hall of the Andaman and Nicobar Secretariat in Sri Vijaya Puram under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar.
The meeting was attended by the Director General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), Secretary (Home), committee members, senior officers of the Administration, Police Marine Force (PMF), Andaman and Nicobar Police, Indian Coast Guard, Joint Operation Centre, Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), District Administration and representatives of other stakeholder departments and agencies associated with coastal and maritime security.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on the decisions and recommendations adopted during the 6th Union Territory Level Coastal Security Committee meeting. The review assessed the progress made on earlier decisions before members considered fresh agenda items relating to maritime security.
Officials deliberated on a range of issues covering coastal security, inter-agency coordination, operational preparedness, infrastructure development, surveillance systems, communication networks and other measures intended to strengthen the Union Territory’s maritime security framework.
The discussions also examined coordination mechanisms among the agencies involved in coastal security and reviewed steps aimed at improving surveillance and operational effectiveness across the islands.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar stressed the need for sustained coordination among all stakeholder agencies to ensure effective coastal surveillance, timely sharing of information and prompt response to emerging maritime security challenges.
The participating agencies reiterated their commitment to strengthening the coastal security framework of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through coordinated efforts and by ensuring the timely implementation of the decisions taken during the meeting.
The meeting concluded with a renewed focus on institutional coordination among civil administration, law enforcement and maritime security agencies responsible for safeguarding the Union Territory’s coastline and ensuring continued operational preparedness.
