The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is carrying out coastal monitoring and surveillance on a real-time basis around India’s coastline through a Chain of Static Sensors (CSS) consisting of 46 radar stations.
These radars have been working since 2011 and there are no known harmful effects on the environment, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
He said the steps taken by the government to strengthen coastal security and to protect the vulnerable coastal ecosystem from further climatic degradation, and inter-alia, include patrolling, surveillance, exercises, community interactions, social campaigns on marine pollution and oil spill control.
In another reply, the minister said Indian soldiers are provided the requisite protection including bullet-proof jackets and bullet-proof helmets to operate in a challenging environment. The safety of soldiers who are deployed on security duties is considered paramount.
A modern-day soldier needs to have all-around protection from the newer and emerging threat of warfare. Sikh troops battling terrorism have been wearing bulletproof ‘Patka’ over cloth ‘patka’ while maintaining their religious identity. Tank Crew of Armoured Regiments also wear padded communication headgear.
Tactical helmets are an integral part of flying gear for combat aircraft operations and protective gear of soldiers against enemy gunfire. All pilots of fighter aircraft/combat helicopters and soldiers deployed in the areas where enemy attacks are anticipated or defending important installations are to wear full protective gear for personal safety.
Fighter Pilots and Helicopter Pilots of the Indian Defence Forces have always been wearing helmets over their religious headgear for heads-up display and communication, the minister added.