India Launches 'Coastal Vibrant Villages' Programme to Boost Coastal Security and Development

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In a significant move to enhance coastal security and development, the Indian government is set to launch a programme modelled on the successful Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) for border villages. The initiative aims to strengthen port security across the country, with a focus on coastal villages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the importance of coastal security during the annual meeting of police chiefs in Raipur last December, directing all concerned agencies to work together towards this objective. Following this, the Union home ministry approved the establishment of the Bureau of Ports Security (BoPS) to focus on strengthening port security. Under the Coastal Vibrant Villages Programme, agencies will adopt coastal villages, providing employment opportunities and training residents in coastal security. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has already adopted 52 villages and tied up with corporates under their corporate social responsibility initiatives. CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan said, "The residents of coastal villages are being trained, and we are engaging youths from these villages in training security agencies in non-core port duties. With the government working on strengthening port security, we are confident that this initiative will lead to a stronger bonding between residents and security forces.