Govt. plans security protocol for fishing harbours under CISF oversight

Published 2026-05-29 · Updated 2026-05-29 · 3 min · 446 words

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.

Primary/reference source: The Hindu