November 22, 2001

'33'

/LOK SABHA/

MARITIME RESOURCES

       The Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers an area of 2.02 million Square Kilometres with sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve and manage natural resources. With the de-lienation of the continental shelf as per United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the EEZ of India is expected to increase further by about another 1 million Square Kilometres.

        Indian Navy and Coast Guard jointly carry out the patrolling of the area around Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands for surveillance and apprehension of poachers and intruders. Recently, an A&N Command comprising Navy, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard has been created for effective coordination and combat action.

        This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri P Rajendran in Lok Sabha today.