Maharashtra-Gujarat Maritime Border on High Alert: Fishermen Issued Strict Guidelines

India-Pak Tensions: Maharashtra-Gujarat Coast Secured, Fishermen Advised Caution
As India-Pakistan tensions escalate following Operation Sindoor’s missile strikes on May 7, 2025, India has fortified its maritime border along the Maharashtra-Gujarat coast to counter potential threats. On May 10, the Indian Navy and Coast Guard issued strict guidelines to fishermen, urging caution and heightened vigilance to safeguard the Arabian Sea frontier.

Strengthened Maritime Security
Pakistan’s aggressive drone and missile attacks, coupled with heavy shelling along the Line of Control, have prompted India to bolster its 1,600-km western coastline. The Indian Navy has deployed additional warships and patrol boats in key areas like Mumbai, Porbandar, and Okha, while the Coast Guard’s hovercraft and drones monitor suspicious movements. Intelligence reports citing risks of maritime infiltration, especially after Pakistan’s failed strikes on Bhuj, have led to 24/7 surveillance. Posts on X highlight the Navy’s interception of an unidentified vessel off Daman, underscoring the proactive measures in place.

Fishermen’s Safety Guidelines

Fishermen in coastal districts, including Palghar, Mumbai, Valsad, and Kutch, have been instructed to avoid deep-sea fishing and stay within 10 nautical miles of the shore. The Coast Guard has mandated registration of all fishing vessels and equipped them with AIS transponders for tracking. Fishermen like Ramesh Patel from Porbandar reported receiving SMS alerts to report suspicious boats immediately. Local authorities have also suspended night fishing in high-risk zones, impacting 12,000 fishing families but prioritizing safety amid fears of cross-border smuggling or sabotage.

Coordination and Community Impact
The Maharashtra and Gujarat governments are coordinating with the Navy to conduct awareness campaigns and distribute helpline numbers like 1554 for emergencies. Temporary bans on fishing in sensitive areas have strained livelihoods, with unions seeking compensation. However, community leaders support the measures, citing the need to protect lives during the crisis, as seen in cooperative efforts in Diu and Dwarka.

Strategic Importance
The Maharashtra-Gujarat coast, home to critical assets like Mumbai’s naval dockyard and Gujarat’s Kandla port, is vital to India’s security. As Pakistan’s provocations continue, India’s fortified maritime defenses, backed by real-time intelligence, ensure the region remains secure, balancing strategic imperatives with civilian safety.