The Coast Guard here has set up an air enclave to step up aerial surveillance of Karnataka coast for helping in search and rescue operations and also to check maritime crimes.
The Coast Guard Air Enclave (CGAE), which would operate from the old terminal building of the airport at Bajpe, was launched yesterday, a release by the Coast Guard said here today.
The air enclave is equipped with aircraft and helicopters and will carry out maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, respond to oil spills, assist fishermen in distress and check smuggling and other forms of maritime crimes, it said.
"Shipping traffic off Karnataka coast has considerably increased. The coastline has numerous vital points including ports in Mangaluru and Karwar, which are vulnerable to anti-national activities," the release said.
Thousands of fishermen from various coastal villages of Karnataka venture into the sea for their livelihood every day.
"With the vast coastline and numerous landing points, the role of the Indian Coast Guard in Karnataka assumes greater significance," it said.
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