The remote sensing operation tower (extreme left) near Paradip lighthouse. Telegraph picture

Paradip, Dec. 7: Coast Guard has initiated the process for installation of static sensors here as part of a surveillance network.

Deputy commandant (operations) of Coast Guard, Paradip, J. V. Paul said: “The coastal radar network and the remote operating station here will be monitored by authorities in our eastern zonal headquarters in Calcutta. The installation work is in progress and it is expected to be operational shortly.”

The radar surveillance network is of paramount importance keeping in view possibilities of coastal infiltration, sea-route subversive activities and other forms of nefarious and anti-national activities.

The coastal radar network project aims at preventing undetected intrusion by monitoring the movement of vessels plying along the coastline. The project would also aid in enhancing the efficacy of search and rescue operations coordinated by the Coast Guard. The sensor data generated by the coastal surveillance network would also be shared with other maritime agencies to generate a comprehensive maritime domain awareness.

The installation process of static sensor is in full swing within the precincts of Paradip lighthouse. The foolproof surveillance system can be an effective tool for agencies such as the navy, the Coast Guard, marine police and marine fisheries wing to step up sea-route security.

The project envisages fitment of high-end surveillance gadgets such as frequency diversity radar, electro-optic sensors (charge coupled device), day camera, low-light television, night camera, long-range thermal imagers, very high frequency sets, Met equipment on lighthouses and masts erected on lighthouse land.

The data generated by the static sensors would be disseminated to the district, regional and national headquarters of the Coast Guard.

The sensor data generated from this network would be further supplemented with the vessel traffic management systems of the major ports, fishing vessel monitoring system, long-range identification and tracking, national command communication control and intelligence network of the Navy. Besides Paradip, the Gopalpur coast in Ganjam would also be brought under the radar network to provide electronic surveillance along the coastline.