Apex Committee Review Meeting: Chief Secy Stresses Coordination Among Agencies For Coastal Security Of Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on Wednesday asked police, Coast Guard, Indian Navy, authorities of ports and departments of the state government to maintain mutual exchange of intelligence to ensure coastal security of the state.

He was speaking at the 5th Apex Committee Review Meeting (ACRM) on coastal security, which was co-chaired by Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta CINC ENC and Mohapatra at INS Chilika.

They directed both defence and government agencies to make coastal security mechanism flawless by using the infrastructure, communication systems, command and control system, speed boats and jetty of one another.

It was also decided at the meeting that agencies and departments concerned of state and Central governments will coordinate with each other to act against terrorist activities, smuggling, intrusion by immigrants and illegal works in Indian waters.

The meeting was convened as an annual review of coastal security issues of the state. All key issues and developments/progress made since the last review meeting were also discussed. Various challenges in the maritime domain as well as future measures and possible solutions to enhance the effectiveness of coastal security were deliberated.

The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Indian Navy, state government, Indian Coast Guard, officials of Dhamra, Puri and Gopalpur ports, SIB, ITR Balasore Department of Fisheries and Customs.