Article Posted on : - Nov 06, 2009

MUMBAI (PTI): The Coast Guard will double its strength in terms of manpower, ships and other equipment in the next four years to counter any threat through sea route like last year's terror attacks here.

"We are doing everything possible to ensure maritime security and counter any threats. In the next four years, the availability of manpower and ships to the Coast Guard will be doubled and within ten years it would be tripled," Vice- Admiral, Anil Chopra, Director General of the agency, told reporters on Thursday.

He was responding to queries on board Coast Guard ship 'Sankalp' about the plans for turning the agency into a potent force to thwart attempts by terror groups.

At present CG has 8,000 personnel, over 50 vessels and about 40 small boats, according to the officials.

"In the last one year, the government has approved a vast array of ships, aircraft and equipment with manpower for Coast Guard, Navy and Martime Police," he said. Besides, about 50 ships with advanced technology are under construction.

Chopra supervised the National Level Oil Pollution Response Exercise carried out by personnel of the agency off the Mumbai port.