In an audacious endeavour poised to revolutionize both maritime security and the livelihoods of coastal fishermen, the Indian government is on the cusp of bestowing 350,000 state-of-the-art two-way communication transponders to seafaring communities. This visionary undertaking, meticulously orchestrated under the ambit of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, is slated to fortify coastal security while reinvigorating the fishing industry.
These pioneering transponders, precision-crafted by the illustrious Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will be meticulously assembled on native soil. Powered by dedicated satellites, purpose-launched for this groundbreaking mission, these devices will usher in a new era of maritime vigilance.
The maiden phase of this epochal project will witness the installation of 100,000 transponders exclusively on vessels measuring less than 20 meters in length. Synergizing efforts, governmental entities including state and central fisheries departments, in tandem with the National Security Council, will orchestrate the seamless deployment of this cutting-edge technology across the tapestry of coastal domains.
Intricately designed, these two-way transponders are set to be multifaceted marvels. Beyond the cardinal function of real-time geospatial tracking, these technological marvels will serve as a veritable lifeline at sea. They shall empower fishermen with seamless communication channels, fostering rapid response capabilities in the face of exigencies. Equally remarkable, these devices will serve as beacons of safety, issuing timely alerts to mariners in the face of impending cyclones and capricious weather conditions.
This visionary initiative took its nascent strides in Tamil Nadu, marked by the installation of transponders aboard sub-20 meter vessels. It’s emblematic of the overarching endeavor spearheaded by the National Maritime Security Coordinator, Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, to simplify the bureaucratic quagmire for the fishing community. This transformative system shall emancipate fishermen from the onerous task of carrying original identification documents, permitting them to transport authenticated copies.
This momentous stride harmonizes seamlessly with India’s resolute commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests. Mandated in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, wherein terrorists infiltrated Indian waters via stolen vessels, the requirement for an automatic identification system aboard fishing vessels is no longer a choice but a categorical imperative.