‘Proposed Kerala air enclave to increase Coast Guard presence

• Coast Guard Director General S. Paramesh describes the proposal for an air enclave in Thiruvananthapuram as a “work in progress.”

• The enclave will grant a fillip to the Coast Guard’s charter of duties, including search and rescue operations.

• The enclave will permanently station helicopters, enhancing operational preparedness and response to maritime emergencies.

• The enclave will also provide air support from Kochi, a necessity given the commissioning of a major seaport and maritime emergencies like the sinking of the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Elsa.

• The expanded Coast Guard presence in Thiruvananthapuram district will aid in maritime emergencies.