Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 26: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta met defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on Tuesday, urging him to expedite the pending approvals for establishing the country's first Coast Guard Academy in Mangaluru.

During the meeting, the MP highlighted that approval for setting up a world-class training facility dedicated to coastal security and the Indian Coast Guard was granted in 2017. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has already allotted 159.03 acres of land at Kenjar for the academy, and the land transfer process has been completed. A detailed project report has also been submitted to the defence ministry. Emphasizing the national importance of the academy, Capt Chowta requested swift administrative approval to move forward with the project.

Most of the necessary administrative approvals for the academy have already been secured. The Rs 1,385 crore project is now awaiting clearance from the defence-related cabinet committee, which is the final approval required. Capt Chowta urged Singh to expedite the process and ensure that the project is implemented without delay.

Speaking after the meeting, Capt Chowta stated that the defence secretary responded positively to the request. "It is a matter of immense pride that India’s first Coast Guard Academy is being set up in Mangaluru. Once operational, this academy will train young recruits from across the country who join the Coast Guard."

Currently, some of the advanced maritime security and rescue training is conducted abroad. With the establishment of the Coast Guard Academy in Mangaluru, India will no longer have to depend on foreign institutions for such training. Additionally, the academy will enhance the security of the Arabian Sea and the coastal region while significantly contributing to the economic development of the coastal belt, he added.