Govt. plans security protocol for fishing harbours under CISF oversight

2026-05-29 · 3 min

UPSC CSE Context Why in News: Union Home Ministry plans to bring 1,200 fishing harbours under CISF oversight for coastal security. Syllabus Connection: Security: Coastal security, role of CISF, and port security architecture. Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on coastal security challenges, multi agency coordination, and post 26/11 reforms. Core Issue CISF to design security template for fishing harbours to strengthen coastal security. Key Development: CISF will oversee security protocol design, biometric attendance, and smart ID cards for fisherfolk. Stakeholders: State governments Indian Coast Guard Indian Navy Local police Static Knowledge High Value Background: India's coastline is 7,516 km with 1,547 notified fish landing centres across 13 coastal states/UTs. 26/11 Mumbai attacks exploited fishing routes; terrorists hijacked an Indian fishing vessel to land in Colaba. Concepts in Context: Bureau of Port Security BoPS is proposed on lines of BCAS to unify port security. Sovere

## UPSC CSE Context **Why in News:** Union Home Ministry plans to bring 1,200 fishing harbours under CISF oversight for coastal security.

**Syllabus Connection:** Security: Coastal security, role of CISF, and port security architecture.

**Exam Relevance:** Relevant for questions on coastal security challenges, multi-agency coordination, and post-26/11 reforms.

## Core Issue CISF to design security template for fishing harbours to strengthen coastal security.

**Key Development:** CISF will oversee security protocol design, biometric attendance, and smart ID cards for fisherfolk.

**Stakeholders:** - State governments - Indian Coast Guard - Indian Navy - Local police

## Static Knowledge

**High-Value Background:** - India's coastline is 7,516 km with 1,547 notified fish landing centres across 13 coastal states/UTs. - 26/11 Mumbai attacks exploited fishing routes; terrorists hijacked an Indian fishing vessel to land in Colaba.

**Concepts in Context:** - Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) is proposed on lines of BCAS to unify port security. - Sovereign entity deployment at private ports ensures uniform security standards.

**Institutions and Mechanisms:** - CISF: Central Industrial Security Force, provides security to critical infrastructure including 13 major seaports. - Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS): Model for BoPS, regulates aviation security.

## Dynamic Analysis

### Security - Fishing harbours are vulnerable entry points for illegal infiltration and smuggling, as seen in 26/11. - CISF's role as security regulator for seaports is now extended to fishing harbours, creating a layered coastal security architecture.

### Governance - Fishing harbours are managed by both state and central governments, leading to fragmented security ownership. - CISF will not deploy personnel at all sites but will provide a template, relying on local administration for execution.

### International Relations - Coastal security measures are part of India's response to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan-based groups like LeT. - Strengthening fishing harbour security reduces maritime routes used for terrorist infiltration.

## Prelims Takeaways - CISF is designated as security regulator for over 250 seaports and now for fishing harbours.

## Mains Value Addition

**Arguments:** - Uniform security template addresses fragmentation among multiple agencies. - Biometric identification of fisherfolk balances security with livelihood concerns. - CISF's expertise in critical infrastructure security can be leveraged without full deployment. - BoPS can provide dedicated policy focus, similar to BCAS's role in aviation security.

**Examples:** - 26/11 Mumbai attacks: terrorists used fishing vessel to land undetected, highlighting vulnerability.

**Data Points:** - India's coastline length: 7,516 km.

**Counterpoints:** - CISF's oversight without on-ground deployment may not address local implementation challenges. - Biometric systems require digital infrastructure and may face resistance from fisherfolk.

## Way Forward - Develop a graded security framework for fishing harbours based on risk assessment. - Integrate CISF template with state-level coastal security plans through joint exercises. - Invest in community policing and sensitisation of fisherfolk to report suspicious activities. - Leverage technology like AIS (Automatic Identification System) and coastal radar networks for real-time monitoring.

Source: The Hindu