Indian Coast Guard’s new air enclave inaugurated in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, September 10, 2016: In an effort to ensure better security along the coastal Karnataka, Director General of Indian Coast Guard (DGICG) Rajendra Singh inaugurated a new Air Enlave (CGAE)  unit in Mangaluru on Saturday, on 10 Sep 2016.

Mrs. Urmila Singh, President, Coast Guard Wives Welfare Association, Additional Director General K Natarajan, PTM, TM and Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard) were also present on the occasion.

Commandant PK Jaswal will be the first Commanding Officer of CGAE Mangalore. ICG intends to operate both fixed and Rotary wing aircraft from this Air Enclave, for undertaking ICG charter of duties, i.e., Maritime Surveillance,  Search and Rescue, respond to Oil Spills, assist fishermen in distress, Anti-Smuggling, other forms of Maritime crimes etc.

The shipping traffic off Karnataka coast has considerably increased and this coastline has numerous vital points including ports of Mangalore and Karwar, which are vulnerable to the anti-national activities. Thousands of fishermen from various coastal villages of Karnataka venture everyday into sea for their livelihood. With the vast coastline and numerous landing points, the role of the Indian Coast Guard in Karnataka assumes greater significance. The ICG air assets at Mangalore will swiftly respond to the maritime contingencies at extended ranges from the coast, enhancing the safety and security of the seas off Karnataka.