Nearly 1,200 fishing harbours to be brought under CISF watch: Centre, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Approximately 1,200 fishing harbors and landing sites will be brought under the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as part of the Union Home Ministry's coastal security plan.
• The CISF will design security protocols and guide local administrations, extending its role beyond the 250 sea ports where it already provides security.
• There are 1,547 notified fish landing centers and fishing harbors across 13 coastal States and Union Territories.
• The Ministry of Fisheries informed the Rajya Sabha on December 17, 2025, regarding the management of these sites.

Detailed Insights:

• The initiative aims to enhance coastal security by regulating the movement of fisherfolk through measures like biometric attendance systems and smart ID cards.
• While deploying CISF personnel at every harbor isn't feasible, the force will establish a security framework and assist local authorities in its implementation.
• Management of fishing sites is divided between State and Union governments, with states handling post-construction activities and the central government overseeing sites under Port Trusts.
• This move follows the existing deployment of CISF at approximately 250 sea ports, indicating a broader strategy to strengthen maritime security infrastructure.

Key Concepts Involved:

• CISF (Central Industrial Security Force): A central armed police force in India responsible for providing security to critical infrastructure.
• Biometric Attendance System: A system that uses unique biological traits to identify and record the attendance of individuals.
• Port Trusts: Governmental bodies responsible for managing and operating ports and harbors.