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RAJAHMUNDRY (PTI): Union Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju said two more Coast Guard stations will be set up in Andhra Pradesh to strengthen the security in the coastal areas.

To strengthen the security in the coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh two more Coast Guard stations -- one at Nizampatnam and another at Krishnapatnam -- will be set up soon in addition to this (Kakinada), Raju said on Friday.

Coast Guard will play vital role in protection of natural resources available in the sea, and improve commercial activities taking place through sea routes and protection of fishermen living in the coastal belt, he said.

After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and threats to the country, the Coast Guard has intensified the patrolling in the coastal areas and taking all steps to provide security, Raju said.

The Minister praised the services of Coast Guards and said even there was shortage of staff, they are making every effort to control smuggling, infiltration, saving of fishermen, providing help to ship when they involved in accident besides keep an eagle eye on the sea front.

The coordination and cooperation of Coast Guards, Navy, Marine police and Fisheries department is must to strengthen security in the coast line, besides helping fishermen who venture in the sea, the minister said.

With this station facility, the industrial and port activities will increase in this port city, he said.