Coastal security upgradation yet to take off

KOCHI: About a year after the Centre approved upgradation of the coastal security initiatives along the Kerala coast, most of the projects are yet to take off. A couple of major projects, approved by the Centre, as part of the second phase of the coastal security scheme, are still pending in the state. Setting up of as many as 10 coastal police stations across Kerala and three coastal police stations  in Lakshadweep islands  was one of the major initiatives. Additional facilities like 20 boats, four new boat jetties and 20 new vehicles including 10 four-wheelers and 20 motorcycles are also part of the second phase upgradation. The second phase implementation was meant for nine coastal states as  well as four Union Territories. The second phase has been given an implementation period of five years, starting from April 1, 2011.  A total financial outlay of Rs 1,579 crore has also been approved for the scheme. The second phase upgradation of coastal security was approved after consultations with coastal states, Union Territories and coastal security agencies including the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and other agencies. RADAR STATIONS TRIALS ON Meanwhile, the project to set up radar stations has also been pending for some time. The project was meant to set up a chain of radar systems along the Kerala coast and Lakshadweep islands on the existing lighthouse structures.  In the first phase, the radar stations would be coming up at Ezhimala, Kochi, Kollam and Ponnani. In Lakshadweep islands there would be a total of six radar stations at Kiltan, Androth, Agatti, Kalpeni, Minicoy and Suhielipar.  The Coast Guard had proposed four more radar stations at Kadaloor, Vizhinjam, Azheekkal and Alappuzha in the second phase.  As per the project, the radar stations would be manned 24x7. Though the project was approved more than a year ago, it is yet to take off. “The trials are going  on. We have asked BEL to manufacture radars for the purpose. The equipment will be approved only after making sure that the radars meet all the required standards and parameters that we have asked for.  That is why the project has not taken off till now,” said a top coastal security official.