ENERGISING COASTAL SECURITY

Transcription

1 Case For A Territorial Navy The Indian coastline of 7516 kms has been open to various man-made and natural threats ranging from terrorism to tsunamis. The Government has taken the initiative to bolster the coastal security by financing fairly sophisticated equipment, machinery and weapons. Most of this equipment, except for the Indian Navy s Sagar Prahari Bal, is operated by marine police and the other agencies where the necessary training, expertise and maintenance infrastructure is missing. Creating and even duplicating these organisations would be an avoidable expenditure. Cmde Sujeet Samaddar, NM (Retd) The writer retired as the Principal Director Naval Plans. He served NOVA Integrated Systems A TATA Enterprise as Vice President (Operations) until October He has worked as the Director and CEO, ShinMaywa Industries India Limited. A Territorial Army was raised in 1920 through the Indian Territorial Act of This force comprised of The Auxiliary Force for the Europeans and the Anglo-Indians; and The Indian Territorial Force for the Indian Volunteers. After the Independence, the Territorial Army Act was passed in 1948 and the Territorial Army was formally inaugurated by the first Indian Governor General C Rajagopalachari on 9 October The Territorial Army (TA) is part of the regular Army and its present role is to relieve the regular Army from static duties and assist the civil administration in dealing with natural calamities and maintenance of essential services in situations where the life of the communities is affected or the security of the country is threatened and to provide units for regular Army as and when required. A recent advertisement for enrolment into the TA seeks applicants from gainfully employed young men for an opportunity of donning the uniform and serving the nation as Territorial Army Officers, based on the concept of enabling motivated young men to serve in a military environment without having to sacrifice their primary professions. You can serve the nation in two capacities as a civilian and as a soldier. The concept is to have a second line of trained manpower that can assist the Indian Army in securing rear area static organisations, provide logistics, engineering and communications, rear echelon support whilst the regular Army is operationally deployed at the frontiers. As a concept, it also inculcates discipline, fitness and military values in ordinary citizens in the service of the nation. 31

2 This seeks to provide broad inputs for the formation of a Territorial Navy which would supplement the Navy and the Coast Guard This article proposes that the time is ripe for the creation of a Territorial Navy on similar lines as the Territorial Army to meet coastal security and gain several advantages as enumerated in the following paragraphs. Post Mumbai developments and in the recent past, a slew of measures have been initiated towards improving coastal security. These include various measures for organising and authorising various Central and State agencies with the mandate to address coastal security matters under the overall command of the Indian Navy. Some of these measures are: Creation of a 1000 strong Sagar Prahari Bal with an initial Force level of 80 Fast Interceptor Craft in addition to the earlier contracted 15 FICs. The SPB is responsible for force protection, security of naval assets and co-located vulnerable areas and vulnerable points. Under Phase 1 of the coastal security scheme - 73 Coastal Police Stations, 97 Check Posts, 58 Outposts and with assets comprising 120 (12 Ton) and 84 (5 Ton) boats,10 inflatable boats, 153 Jeeps and 312 Motor Cycles. Manpower has been provided to the States and the Union Territories with training being undertaken by the Coast Guard. A financial outlay of `495 crore for non-recurring expenditure and ` 151 crore for recurring expenditure towards fuels, repairs and maintenance had also been sanctioned A Coastal Surveillance Network has also been implemented by the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and the Highways in coordination with the Coast Guard, consisting of a chain of 36 radars on mainland and 10 in island territories, 84 remote sites with electro-optic sensors and a comprehensive network chain of Automatic Identification System (AIS) stations have been operationalised in the first phase. In Phase-II of the project, 38 Remote Radar sites, 8 Mobile Surveillance Stations, integration of the 21 Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) sites of the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat and the setting up of a Remote Operating Station (ROS) at Kochi and Porbandar and the Regional Operating Centre (ROC) at Mumbai have been undertaken. Post operationalisation of the coastal surveillance network near gap free electronic surveillance of upto 25 nautical miles from the Coast would become feasible. Installation of Vessel and Air Traffic Management System for all offshore development areas by the Ministry of Petroleum supported with the Immediate Support Vessels (ISV) for offshore security by the Ministry of Petroleum and the Indian Navy. A financial outlay of ` crore was provided for the next phase of the Coastal Security Scheme and this is due for completion in FY With this, another 131 Marine Police Stations, 60 jetties, 10 marine operation centres, 180 (12 Ton) boats, 35 RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats), 10 large vessels (A&N), 131 Jeeps and 242 motorcycles would be added to the coastal security infrastructure. Adequate Technical Manpower From the foregoing, it is evident that substantial investment and efforts have been made towards building credible and deterrent security architecture to secure India s coastal frontier. The worrisome issue is whether these expensive assets are professionally manned to maximiseoperationalising of the assets and infrastructure to derive the best benefit of the investments. The following points are relevant: Whilst the surveillance infrastructure is professionally managed by the Coast Guard, the operation of the vessels and the equipment therein are with the marine police trained by the Coast Guard. The afloat asset base consists of sophisticated boat and machinery such as the Twin Screw Arneson Surface Piercing (ASD) Propulsion System with auto pilot steering, Emergency Steering Post, Rolla Propellers and suitable reversible gear box; an electronics suite that includes a navigation radar with console, GPS, echo sounder, satellite communication, VHF sets; a hull which is a single piece GRP mould, a weapons package which includes the LMGs, SLR, Carbines, Pistols and the Flares together with ammunition all of which require maintenance and careful usage. These are highly sophisticated equipment and though easy to operate requirea fair amount of technical competence to even carry out day to day repair and maintenance. Also, fresh inductees cannot be entrusted to lead operations and captain these boats. Therefore, unless the HR resource is addressed, these valuable assets would soon be non-operational. Hence, there is an undeniable need for professional staffing of these assets. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its 2015 report has highlighted that the objective of securing the coastline of the State of Orissa through the establishment of the Marine Police Stations and sea patrolling was not achieved, despite the financial assistance from the Government of India under the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS). In a meeting on coastal security chaired by the Union 32 December 2016

3 Home Minister Rajnath Singh, it was suggested that since marine policing was a specialised job, a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may be raised for patrolling coastal waters and other related duties. The proposal was supported by some other coastal States or the Union Territories and the Union Home Minister agreed to examine it. The February 2014 report on the CSS had also recommended the raising of a Marine India Reserve Battalion (MIRB). PM s Blue Economy The Prime Minister s address during the International Fleet Review (IFR) highlights the importance of the development of the coastal regions and districts. Prime Minister Modi stated that An important part of India s transformation is my vision of Blue Economy in its widest sense. The Blue Chakra or the wheel in our National Flag represents the potential of the Blue Economy. An essential part of this pursuit is the development of India s coastal and island territories but not just for tourism. We want to build new pillars of economic activity in the coastal areas and in linked hinterlands through sustainable tapping of oceanic resources. Strengthening our marine research, development of eco-friendly marine industrial and technology base, and fisheries are other elements of our goal. In this endeavour, I see the youth in the coastal areas as our true assets. They have a natural and deep understanding of the Oceans. They could lead the way in the development of blue economy in India. In partnership with all the coastal States of India, I want to shape a special programme of skilling India s youth in the coastal areas of the country. These suggestions and ideas can be met by creating a professional yet voluntary, temporal but also readily deployable special programme that could come about by the creation of a Territorial Navy. Such a Territorial Navy which would draw upon the youth of the coastal population, the NSS and the NCC cadets of each coastal district and organised under the guidance of the Indian Navy, could be involved in multiple ways in nation building including: a. Skill India which would impart basic nautical, technical and security skills to these volunteer youth of the coastal districts for dealing with coastal security and emergencies. b. Start Up India by which workshops and services required to maintain the assets of the Territorial Navy could be undertaken by local youth of the coastal districts c. Promote a well-directed Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by disciplined and trained youth to address and educate people on coastal pollution and protection of mangroves. d. Promote federalism and coordination between the Centre and the State through a Navy sponsored IT network as part of the Digital India programme for better coastal management with the Territorial Navy providing the on ground interface. Proposal It is proposed that the coastal security assets owned by various agencies are operated and maintained by the Territorial Navy organised on the same lines as the Territorial Army as a low cost all volunteer professionally trained force that could augment the State marine forces in the task of nation building. This concept note seeks to provide broad inputs for the formation of a Territorial Navy which would supplement the Navy and the Coast Guard and augment the State forces on coastal security and maritime safety matters such as during shipwrecks, derelicts, protection and preservation of mangroves, natural disasters such as cyclones or floods as was seen during the recent Chennai floods and earlier Hudhud cyclone in Visakhapatnam etc. 33

4 As a concept the following is proposed: Nomenclature: It is proposed that the force be named as the Territorial Navy (TN). Authority: The TN would draw its authority from the Territorial Navy Act to be framed along the lines of the existing Territorial Army Act (1948) and the Territorial Army Rules (1949) by suitable amendment promulgated and passed as an Act of Parliament. Guidance: In the formal structuring of the Territorial Navy guidance would be included from Navy Act (1950), MZI Act (1976) and the Coast Guard Act (1978). Role: The Territorial Navy would be assigned the following roles central to coastal security and safety of the coastal populations of India. During War: Add to the national effort of prevention of coastal infiltration by enemy agents Conduct Examination Service Man static formations of the Coast Guard and the Navy on the same lines as the TA does for the Indian Army During Peace: Supplement the Sagar Prahari Bal in coastal security duties. Augment the capacity of the Indian Coast Guard for maritime safety and coastal surveillance duties. Complement the State forces and marine police forces in seaward patrol for constabulary functions. Assist the State and the national disaster response forces in tackling coastal emergencies and floods. Organisation Centrally controlled by the MoD for personnel induction, equipment induction and training. Operational Command vested at IHQ MoD(Navy) Routine Operations controlled by Area Commanders in consultation with the State Government. Inter-Ministerial Support: Home Affairs (Law and Order and Disaster Management) Shipping derelicts and control of shipping or Port Security) Petroleum and Natural Gas (OSVs and offshore assets security) Ocean Sciences Environment Budget: The Budget for the Territorial Navy would be part of the Demand for Grants under the Indian Navy s budget projection. Therefore, all capital assets would be acquired only by the agency responsible for coastal security and the Territorial Navy would only be funded from revenue allocations. The Top Level Budget Holder would be the MoD and the High Level Budget Holder would be the Indian Navy. Personnel: The total personnel requirements for the Territorial Navy would require about ,000 personnel and this may grow depending upon the success of the program. As a base line formulation, personnel would be drawn from the retirees of the Coast Guard, Navy and the BSF (Water Wing) as the permanent staff and volunteers from the NCC, NSS and the retired service personnel forming the on call temporary establishment. The Permanent Cadre would not exceed 5-7% of the sanctioned strength and the balance would be volunteers and reserves. Low cost professionally trained reserve force for meeting peacetime and wartime contingencies Rank and Structure: As applicable to the Territorial Army, the Rank and the Structure of the Territorial Navy would be on the same lines of the Navy. Induction: Personnel would be mainly drawn from the IN and the ICG, the Marine Police and the BSF (Water Wing) retirees. Essentially, the last six months (demobilisation period) of retirees from the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard would be assigned to man the Territorial Navy billets across the coastal districts preferably in the home State of the retirees. During this time, they would man, maintain and train the volunteer force. In times of emergencies and calamities, this volunteer component would be recalled to serve the Territorial Navy on as required and localised basis for which period the remuneration would be the equivalent amounts paid to the Regular Navy and the Coast Guard personnel. In addition, this volunteer force would be eligible to undertake 15 days refresher course every year for which the remuneration and allowances would be as admissible for the Indian Navy. This way the standing force of personnel would be minimal as well as have at hand a trained and disciplined manpower available at short notice with minimum outgo of funds. Towards operationalising the manning the following is proposed: 4 Mandatory 6 months service in the Territorial Navy prior to retirement or expiry of engagement in home state 4 Draws regular pay for the period of service in the Territorial Navy 4 Option for permanent induction for some retirees if vacancies exist 34 December 2016

5 There is a requirement to create mechanisms for cooperative federalism 4 Option to be enlisted as volunteer reserve requiring a minimum of 14 days to a maximum of 60 days paid service per year in the Territorial Navy 4 Power of Arrest: As under State Police Rules 4 Equipment and Arms 4 Boats and Craft 4 Arms limited to the HMG and below 4 Other vehicleof State Marine Police 4 Disaster Response Equipment as per the NDMA policy and guidelines 4 Units and Formations 4 Safety Units: Each coastal district could have 2 SAR units 4 Security Units: (Counter infiltration and anti-terror and harbor piracy) Each coastal state could have 2-4 security units in each coastal district 4 Constabulary Unit: Maintenance of maritime Law and Order as may be required by the Police forces 4 Ecological Units: Each state couldhave 2 units of ecological services and protection units 4 Disaster Management Units: These units would be manned as per the norms of the NDMA 4 State level HQs: One HQ would be created for each coastal state reporting to the Local Naval Commander. Justification Calamities and security alerts as an outcome of war or disturbance of the peace or natural calamities are few and far between. But during those stressful periods of a few days or a month, a large amount of manpower is required to restore order or peace. Also, coastal security Para-military forces are being equipped with sophisticated machinery, electronics and weapons which requires a professional force to operate it else it would be out to ruin. To have a permanent standing force to meet these requirements would be highly expensive and may not be cost effective. Instead, a quasi-permanent professional force would provide the better option. The benefits would include: Low cost professionally trained reserve force for meeting peacetime and wartime contingencies Deterrence to anti-social elements and denial of access to anti-national forces from the seaward route Leverage existing capacity to operate and maintain sophisticated coastal security assets and thus develop specialised and useful maritime skills in coastal districts Greater synergy between various agencies using the Digital India framework for information exchange Gainful employment for coastal populations through Start Ups Summary The Indian coastline of 7516 kms has been open to various man-made and natural threats ranging from terrorism to tsunamis. The Government has taken the initiative to bolster the coastal security by financing fairly sophisticated equipment, machinery and weapons. Most of this equipment, except for the Indian Navy s Sagar Prahari Bal, is operated by marine police and other agencies where the necessary training, expertise and maintenance infrastructure is missing. Creating and even duplicating these organisations would be an avoidable expenditure. It is also worth noting that emergencies relating to security threats or natural disasters are few and far between. Hence, a large standing force would not produce the necessary economic benefits. Security of the littoral and coastal security transcend the Union, State and the Concurrent lists necessitating close coordination between the Union and the State Governments, as well as a large number of stakeholders, including ordinary citizens who depend upon the seas for their livelihood. There is a requirement to create mechanisms for cooperative federalism to strengthen the coastal and the littoral security as a national imperative supported by the centre through funds, professional guidance and resources and executed by the state agencies. It is therefore proposed that a Territorial Navy be created on the same lines as the Territorial Army as a quasi-permanent all volunteer Para-military force with about 90 per cent as volunteers and only 10 per cent as permanent staff under the Demand for Grants of the Indian Navy. The administrative control of the paramilitary force would be with the Indian Navy. 35