The Director General Of The Coast Guard Inaugurates A Jetty At Fort Kochi, Which He Says Would Ensure Seamless ICG Operations

3 May (ANI): Kochi (Kerala) [India]: VS Pathania, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, inaugurated the first-ever coast guard jetty at the ICG headquarters in Fort Kochi on Tuesday, saying it will guarantee smooth ICG operations in the marine areas of Kerala and the Lakshadweep Islands.

The coast guard has raised its assets to four Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), three Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV), two Interceptor Boats (IB), and two Auxiliary Barges, as the hub of maritime activity in Kochi has grown exponentially.

The Director thanked the Cochin Port Trust and the Commander Coast Guard District for their efforts in constructing the ICG jetty, saying, “It would ensure seamless ICG operations in the marine areas of Kerala and the Lakshadweep Islands.”

The Indian Coast Guard has established a strong presence along the Indian coastline, where it plays a key role in domestic security and marine law enforcement.

“Kochi is one of India’s major ports in the south, and the Coast Guard District Headquarters No.4 (Kerala and Mahe) at Kochi plays a critical role in ensuring safety and security in the sea areas of Kerala and the Lakshadweep Islands,” he said.

The strategic location of the Port of Kochi necessitates the presence of the Indian Coast Guard to protect Indian maritime interests, and as a result, the Cochin Port Trust has built an ICG Jetty (220 metres by 15 metres) in the harbour with a maintained depth of 7 metres to facilitate the deployment of Indian Coast Guard ships, according to an official release. (ANI)