MANGALURU: In an effort to step up aerial surveillance over the state’s coast, the Indian Coast Guard inaugurated the Coast Guard Air Enclave (CGAE) in this coastal city on Saturday.
The air enclave, equipped with aircraft and helicopters, would operate from the old terminal building of the airport at Bajpe, to carryout maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, respond to oil spills, assist fishermen in distress, and counter anti-smuggling and other forms of maritime crimes.
Officials said the Coast Guard’s air assets at Mangalore would respond swiftly to contingencies at extended ranges from the coast, enhancing the safety and security of the Arabian Sea. Earlier, teams from Goa or Kochi had to come to Karnataka for aerial operations.
“Shipping traffic off Karnataka coast has considerably increased. The coastline has numerous vital points including ports in Mangalore and Karwar, which are vulnerable to anti-national activities. Thousands of fishermen from various coastal villages of Karnataka venture into the sea for their livelihood everyday. With the vast coastline and numerous landing points, the role of the Indian Coast Guard in Karnataka assumes greater significance,” stated a communiqué from the Coast Guard.
