Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP, Capt Brijesh Chowta, met with Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi, urging the Ministry of Defense to fast-track the long-pending approvals for establishing the much-awaited Coast Guard Academy in Mangaluru.
During the meeting, Capt Chowta highlighted that the proposal for setting up a premier Coast Guard training institute in the coastal belt had already secured approval back in 2017. He pointed out that 159.03 acres of land at Kenjar has been duly allocated by KIADB, and all formalities concerning land transfer have been concluded. The detailed project report (DPR) has also been submitted to the defense ministry.
The MP pressed for the speedy completion of remaining administrative procedures, emphasizing the project’s national significance. He mentioned that except for the final nod from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), all other approvals for the ₹1,385 crore project have been completed. He urged that the CCS clearance be expedited to kickstart the academy’s construction.
Capt Chowta, speaking to the media after the meeting, expressed satisfaction with the defense secretary’s positive response. He stated that the academy would not only be a matter of pride for India but would also play a crucial role in training Coast Guard recruits domestically. Currently, some advanced maritime rescue and safety training are outsourced abroad. With this facility, India would achieve self-sufficiency in maritime training.
Additionally, he noted that the academy will significantly boost coastal security in the Arabian Sea region while spurring economic development in the surrounding coastal areas.
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