Nearly 1,200 Fishing Harbours to be Brought Under CISF Watch 

Context

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed bringing nearly 1,200 fishing harbours and fish landing centres under the security oversight of the Central Industrial Security Force to strengthen India’s coastal security architecture and address vulnerabilities in maritime surveillance.

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Why is this Move Important?

India has a coastline of over 7,500 km and numerous fishing harbours that serve as critical nodes for:

• Fishing activities
• Coastal trade
• Maritime livelihoods
• National security

Fishing harbours can potentially be exploited for:

• Smuggling
• Infiltration by terrorists
• Illegal migration
• Arms and narcotics trafficking
• Maritime espionage

The lessons from the 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks highlighted the need for stronger coastal surveillance and harbour security.

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Role of CISF

Since deploying CISF personnel at every harbour is impractical, the force will act primarily as a security regulator and standard-setting agency.

Proposed Functions

1. Uniform Security Framework

• Develop standardized security protocols.
• Establish common operating procedures across all fishing harbours.

2. Technological Integration

• Biometric attendance systems.
• Smart identity cards for fisherfolk.
• Digital databases.

3. Movement Regulation

• Monitoring entry and exit of vessels.
• Tracking fisherfolk movement.
• Visitor management systems.

4. Capacity Building

• Training local authorities.
• Security awareness among fishing communities.

5. Inter-Agency Coordination

• Coordination with:
  • State Police
  • Marine Police
  • Indian Coast Guard
  • Indian Navy
  • Port Authorities

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Why CISF?

About CISF

• Established under the CISF Act, 1968.
• Raised on 10 March 1969.
• Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• One of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

Mandate

• Protection of critical infrastructure and strategic installations.
• Security of:
  • Airports
  • Seaports
  • Metro rail systems
  • Nuclear and space establishments
  • Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
  • Certain private sector establishments (on a cost-reimbursement basis)

Unique Features

• Designated as the Seaport Security Regulator for over 250 ports.
• Only CAPF with a dedicated Fire Wing.
• Provides security consultancy and audit services.

Existing Challenges

Currently, coastal security responsibilities are fragmented among multiple agencies:

Result

• Lack of uniformity.
• Security gaps.
• Coordination issues.
• Different standards across States.

CISF Advantage

The CISF already serves as:

• Security regulator for over 250 seaports.
• Protector of critical infrastructure.
• Specialist force in access control and surveillance systems.

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Fish Landing Centres and Harbours in India

Total Infrastructure

India has:                       

• 1,547 notified fish landing centres and fishing harbours

Coastal States and UTs Covered

• West Bengal
• Odisha
• Andhra Pradesh
• Tamil Nadu
• Puducherry
• Kerala
• Karnataka
• Goa
• Maharashtra
• Gujarat
• Daman and Diu
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Lakshadweep

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Management Structure

State Government-Controlled Harbours

Responsibilities:

• Maintenance
• Operations
• Infrastructure management
• Local fisheries regulation

Central Government-Controlled Harbours

Managed through:

• Port Trusts
• Union Government agencies

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Constitutional Division of Powers

State Government Role

State List (List II)

Entry 21 – Fisheries

States are responsible for:

• Fisheries development.
• Regulation within territorial waters.
• Fishing community welfare.
• Management of state fishing harbours.

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Union Government Role

Union List (List I)

Entry 57 – Fishing and Fisheries Beyond Territorial Waters

Union responsibilities include:

• Maritime security.
• Offshore fisheries.
• Defence of coastal waters.
• Port security.
• Shipping and navigation.

Related Security Responsibilities

• Coordination among Navy, Coast Guard, CISF and intelligence agencies.
• Coastal surveillance.
• Port protection.

Key Point

Fisheries are primarily a State subject, whereas maritime security and offshore fisheries fall under the Union Government.

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Other Coastal Security Initiatives

1. Bureau of Port Security (Proposed)

Proposed by the Union Home Minister in 2025.

Model

Similar to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.

Proposed Functions

• Security oversight of ports.
• Regulation of vessels.
• Port facility security standards.

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2. CISF as Seaport Security Regulator

The government has already designated CISF as security regulator for:

• More than 250 seaports.

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3. Uniform Security Framework for Private Ports

Proposal to deploy a “sovereign security entity” at private ports.

Objective:

• Common security standards.
• Elimination of regulatory gaps.
• Integration with national security systems.

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4. Seaport Security Guidelines (2023)

Issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs after the National Security Strategy Conference.

Focus Areas:

• Surveillance systems.
• Access control.
• Intelligence sharing.
• Emergency response mechanisms.

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Significance for Internal Security

Security Benefits

✔ Prevention of coastal infiltration

✔ Counter-smuggling operations

✔ Better maritime domain awareness

✔ Improved intelligence gathering

✔ Standardized security practices

✔ Enhanced monitoring of fishing vessels

✔ Stronger coastal community participation

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Challenges

Federal Concerns

• Fisheries are a State subject.
• States may seek greater consultation.

Financial Burden

• Technology deployment costs.
• Infrastructure modernization requirements.

Fisherfolk Concerns

• Compliance burden.
• Privacy concerns related to biometrics.

Coordination Issues

• Multiple agencies already operating in coastal areas.

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Way Forward

• Establish an integrated coastal security grid.
• Link harbour databases with national maritime surveillance systems.
• Expand community-based coastal intelligence networks.
• Improve Centre-State coordination mechanisms.
• Utilize AI, drones, satellite tracking, and biometric systems for real-time monitoring.

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Conclusion

The proposed CISF oversight of fishing harbours represents a shift from fragmented coastal security management towards a standardized national security framework. While fisheries remain a State subject, enhanced coordination between the Centre, States, CISF, Coast Guard and local fishing communities is essential to secure India’s coastline against emerging maritime threats.