"..It is expected that the chain on mainland would become operational by September this year and that on our island territories by March next year," he said, commissioning the Coast Guard Station at Karaikal.
The station, the fifth on the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast, had been set up as part of the ongoing efforts of the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen coastal security along the country's coastline, he said.
Besides, it would help augment patrolling along the East Coast and prevent infiltration, smuggling and other illegal activities.
"ln addition, a full-fledged Air Enclave and a hoverport at Puducherry are also on the anvil. The establishment of the station will give a welcome boost to Coast Guard efforts in performance of its charter of duties, especially Coastal Security, medical emergencies and distress situations at sea off this area," he said.
Observing that the fishermen were acting as the 'eyes and ears' of the Coast Guard, the Director General thanked the fishing community for their willing participation in the security initiatives of the Coast Guard.
