Coastal security exercise-Operation Sajag

Name the special drill conducted by the Indian Coast Guard, every month for revalidation of the coastal security mechanism in India’s Western coast.

Answer: Operation Sajag

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About Coastal security exercise-Operation Sajag:

• It is a drill involving all stakeholders of the coastal security construct, and organized by the Indian Coast Guard.
• This facilitated revalidation of the coastal security mechanism and brought awareness among the fishermen at sea.
• During the drill, extensive checking and verification of documents and crew passes of all fishing boats, barges and craft at sea was undertaken.
• Participants: 118 ships including those from Customs, Marine Police, Ports & Indian Navy.
• It is conducted every month and its outcomes are progressed for improvement in the coastal security construct.
• It enables to verify implementation of coastal security measures and draw important lessons and highlight trends in coastal security.
• Measures to strengthen coastal Security:
• Issuance of Biometric cards for the fishermen and security agencies
• Colour coding of fishing boats as per each state
• Manning of fish landing centres and access control at entry/exit check points
• Coastal mapping
• Designation of specific marine band frequency for security agencies
• Training of marine police personnel by Indian Coast Guard
• Institutionalization of island security and community interaction programmes

Why in News?

Operation Sajag was conducted recently by the Indian Coast Guard on the western coast.