Two more coastal radar stations to be set up

In order to enhance security along the 320-km coastline of Karnataka, two more coastal radar stations will be set up in Kundapur in Udupi taluk and Belekeri in Uttara Kannada district, DIG S S Dasila, Commander Coast Guard (Karnataka) informed on Thursday.

He told reporters at the coast guard headquarters in Panambur that the land acquisition for the radar station in Kundapur was done. The second radar station would be installed next to the lighthouse in Kundapur, Dasila said. The existing two radar stations are at Surathkal and Bhatkal lighthouse. They boast of a range of 60-80 nautical miles.

The radar in Surathkal can zoom in on images till Bhatkal, he said adding that cameras with a range of 15 nautical miles capture excellent pictures.

The radars also help coast guards to provide protection to fishermen and assist in anti-smuggling/piracy operations. They also help safeguard the maritime environment.

Coast Guard in Karnataka, will celebrate its 43rd Coast Guard Raising Day on Friday. It has saved 202 lives in 2017, 209 lives in 2018 and 19 lives in 2019.

Dasila recollected that the district administration had felicitated the Coast Guard during Republic Day celebrations in recognition of the fact that they had saved 39 lives during heavy rains.

“The coast guard owns Offshore Patrol Vessel (1), Fast Patrol Vessels (4), interceptor Boats (2), interceptor crafts (2) and Air Cushion Vehicles (2).

“We are prepared for any sort of operation. State-of-the-art ships and aircraft manned by officers take pride in protecting India’s maritime domain,” he stressed.