No LTTE activity noticed on Kerala coast'

No LTTE-related activity has come to the notice of the Coast Guard on the Kerala coast so far, but the security agency is keeping its eyes open, Coast Guard DIG for Kerala and Lakshadweep Vijay Chafekar said.

"The Coast Guard has not so far come across any boat or any one having links with the LTTE, but we're on the look-out," Chafekar told reporters here. Compared with Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts, the Kerala coastline was less 'problematic,' he said.

As part of developing infrastructure in southern Kerala, the Coast Guard plans to construct a 50-metre berth capable of mooring medium-sized vessels at Vizhinjam. "The berth is expected to be ready in two years' time," he said.

A proposal for constructing a separate berth having a length of 100 metres is being considered by the State Government. The Coast Guard request to allot berthing facilities at the proposed Vizhinjam seaport had been rejected.

For monsoon-related emergencies in south Kerala coast, Coast Guard plans to deploy one offshore/foreshore patrol vessel round the clock and also sensitise fisherfolk through "community interactions."

A Dornier aircraft and a helicopter will be stationed in Kochi to deal with monsoon-related emergencies. "Additional ships and aircraft will be deployed if required," he said.

The cost-effective rescue beacon developed by the ISRO and KELTRON for fishing vessels has proved successful in trials, Chafekar said. The beacons are being piloted in 20 mechanised fishing vessels. Express News Service