Mangaluru: Coast Guard Air Enclave (CGAE) which would operate from the old terminal building of the airport at Bajpe was inaugurated by the Indian Coast Guard here on Saturday.
This is an effort by the Coast Guard to step up aerial surveillance over the state’s coast. The air enclave is equipped with aircraft and helicopters and it will carryout maritime surveillance search and rescue operations, respond to oil spills, assist fishermen in distress, and counter anti-smuggling and other forms of maritime crimes.

A communiqué from the Coast Guard said, “Shipping traffic off Karnataka coast has considerably increased. The coastline has numerous vital points including ports in Mangalore and Karwar, which are vulnerable to anti-national activities. Thousands of fishermen from various coastal villages of Karnataka venture into the sea for their livelihood everyday. With the vast coastline and numerous landing points, the role of the Indian Coast Guard in Karnataka assumes greater significance

An Coast Guard official added that the Coast Guard’s air assets at Mangalore would respond swiftly to contingencies at extended ranges from the coast, enhancing the safety and security of the Arabian Sea. Earlier, teams from Goa or Kochi had to come to Karnataka for aerial operations.