New Delhi: At an impressive ceremony on 06 Mar 2010, the new Coast Guard Administrative Complex at Vizhinjam, was inaugurated by Shri AK Antony, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, in the presence of Shri M Vijayakumar, Hon’ble Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of Kerala, Shri George Mercier, MLA Kovalam, and Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, AVSM, Director General Indian Coast Guard. Apart from the officers and men of the Indian Coast Guard, the ceremony was also attended by representatives of various Central and State Govt. bodies, and the media.

While lauding the efforts of the Coast Guard, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri stated that ‘Coastal Security’ requires sustained and dedicated effort from all the stake holders. He stated that all acquisition projects in respect of the Indian Coast Guard were being processed on fast track basis by the Government, leaving no stone unturned in protecting our maritime interests, and the threat emanating from the seas. He indicated that all necessary funds have been sanctioned to the Coast Guard for new acquisitions.

In his welcome address, the Director General Indian Coast Guard, highlighted the strategic importance of the state of Kerala and stated that the Coast Guard had achieved considerable progress in acquisition of assets and infrastructure development, for addressing the security gaps along the coastline. He further stated that a Coast Guard Air Enclave at Kochi is planned to be set-up in near future, for augmenting the aerial surveillance capabilities of the Coast Guard in the state.

The new office complex inaugurated by Shri AK Antony, comprises of four buildings constructed by the Military Engineering Service, and accommodates both the Administrative Complex, as well as living accommodation for men. The state-of-the-art Administrative complex encompasses an Operations Centre, Communication Station, Conference Hall, Parade Ground and outdoor sports facilities.