On May 20, 2022, in a significant move towards strengthening India’s coastal security apparatus, Shri Amit Shah, Hon’ble Home and Cooperation Minister, Government of India, performed Bhoomi Pujan and laid foundation stone for National Academy of Coastal Policing at Okha, Dwarka in presence of Smt Poonamben Maadam Hon’ble MP Jamnagar, Sh Pabubha Manek Hon’ble MLA Devbhoomi Dwarka, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, IAS, Union Home Secretary, Govt of India, Dr Sujoy Lal Thaosen, IPS, DG BSF, Shri P V Rama Sastry, IPS, ADG BSF (Western Command), Shri Sunil Kumar Barrnwal, IAS, Jt Secy (BM) MHA, Shri Ravi Gandhi, IG BSF, Gujarat Frontier & Project Director NACP, officials of CPWD, State administration, BSF and other civil dignitaries. 05 Coastal Outposts off Jakhau Coast in Kutch and 01 OP tower at Lakhpatwari Bet in Sir Creek area was also inaugurated virtually by Hon’ble Minister.
Upon arrival of Hon’ble Minister, IG BSF Gujarat Frontier & Project Director, NACP gave a comprehensive briefing about the development works at NACP as well as on security scenario on international borders of Gujarat Frontier.
DG BSF in his welcome address expressed gratitude towards Hon’ble Minister for alloting land and santioning Rs 441 Cr in his earlier visit to NACP on 28th May 2022. Further he said that modern infrastructure, latest technology and state of art facilities for training are being developed at the institute. So far, 700 Marine Police personnel from 09 Coastal States, 05 Union Territories and personnel of Central Armed Police Forces have been trained by NACP, since 2018.
While addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Home Minister commended the dedication and professionalism of BSF, acknowledging their pivotal role in protecting India’s most sensitive land as well as the coastal borders. With a long experience of operations in creeks in Gujarat and Sunderbans in West Bengal, BSF has been able to diligently fulfill its responsibility of setting up National Academy of Coastal Policing and training Marine Police personnel and equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary to effectively address the evolving challenges posed by maritime threats.
The Minister expressed his confidence of NACP developing into a world class academy on coastal security with ability to play a pivotal role in creating a secure maritime environment for India.
He further said based on our visionary PMs concept of ‘Secure Borders- Prosperous Nation’, unprecedented increase in the developmental works on the international borders of the country are being done to make our security system strong and impregnable by communication systems, essential construction works and initiatives using latest technologies.
The construction of 18 modern Composite Coastal Out Posts off Jakhau coast in Kutch and 01 OP tower at Lakhpatwari in Sir Creek area will make this region impenetrable by round the clock presence of BSF and will also strengthen security of this area. Since independence, for the first time permanent infrastructure is being developed in Sir Creek region which underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s vast land and coastal borders.
He further added apart from this, Rs 257 Crore has been sanctioned for construction of mooring place for upkeep and maintenance of BSF Floating BOPs and Water Vessels at Koteshwar in Bhuj. It will help in ensuring availability of these assets for round the clock surveillance and operations in the inaccessible creeks. Besides, Rs 752 Crore has also been sanctioned for various border security related infrastructures such as modular fencing, floodlights, roads and outposts. By investing in and strengthening border security related infrastructure
the government’s proactive measures will not only protect the nation’s sovereignty but also foster economic growth and prosperity.
Hon’ble Minister was presented a memento by Dr. Sujoy Lal Thaosen, IPS, DG BSF and Sh P V Rama Sastry, ADG, BSF (Western Command) Chandigarh expressed gratitude through a vote of thanks.
