Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, Commander-in-Chief Coastal Defence (South) and Dr V P Joy, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Kerala co-chaired Annual Joint Coastal Security Review Meeting of Kerala at Thiruvanthapuram on 10 April 2023. The meeting was aimed at strengthening coastal security apparatus of state and to bring in greater synergy amongst large number of stake holders. In addition to Naval and Coast Guard representatives, high-level meeting was attended by ACS(Home), ADGP(Coastal Security) and representatives of Fisheries, IB, Kerala Maritime Board, Customs, Cochin Port Authority and M/s BPCL. All key issues pertaining to coastal security aspects along with progress made since last review meeting were discussed and suitably addressed. Various challenges in maritime domain and future measures to enhance effectiveness of coastal security were also deliberated. Emphasis was laid on adoption of innovative capabilities and technologies as well as optimum utilisation of resources and coordination of efforts to strengthen the coastal security construct. Both Commander-in-Chief Coastal Defence (South) and Chief Secretary having reviewed progress, conveyed their satisfaction and need to progressively achieve the key result areas in a time bound manner.
