New Delhi, Sept 19 : Defence Minister A K Antony today underlined the need to strengthen and consolidate the overall capabilities of the Coast Guard to meet the growing challenges to the country’s maritime zones.

Addressing the 26th Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference here, he said there is an urgent need to keep India’s vast maritime zones under ‘round the clock surveillance’ by employing surface and air efforts.

“The Indian Coast Guard expansion plan is essential for our economic and national security in this context,” Antony said, adding that the setting up of additional coast guard stations at Jakhau, Pudducherry, Beypore and Kakinada were right steps in this direction.

Referring to the stress related problems, Antony said that disproportionate deployment of manpower between those on frontline duties, to those required to provide support from ashore, needs to be addressed urgently to reduce stress related problems.

“We will do our best to address the issue of additional manpower for shore establishments of coast guard on a priority basis,” he said.

Earlier, Vice Admiral R F Contractor, Director General Coast Guard, made a detailed presentation on the state and operational preparedness of the Coast Guard in meeting the mandated tasks. Defence Secretary Vijay Singh also attended the conference. (With inputs from ANI)