Bhubaneswar: Stressing that surveillance along Odisha coastline has been significantly strengthened to prevent illegal infiltration, Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania on Thursday said that coastal security is also important for economic growth of the state.
The police chief was speaking at a State-Level Coastal Security Seminar in Bhubaneswar. The seminar reviewed the current status of coastal security, identified key challenges, and charted out future strategies for strengthening protection along Odisha’s coastline.
Khurania said coastal security agencies and marine police units are maintaining a high level of vigilance to prevent any form of illegal infiltration through the state’s coastal areas. He emphasised that the security apparatus remains alert and proactive in safeguarding Odisha’s maritime borders.
To bolster surveillance and strengthen preparedness, the Odisha government has allocated Rs 150 crore for coastal security infrastructure and related initiatives.
The DGP emphasised that coastal security is a vital component of the country’s internal security framework. He noted its direct linkage with economic development, maritime trade, and public safety.
Highlighting Odisha’s 574.7 km long coastline and the strategic importance of major ports like Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, he said coastal security has been given top priority by the state.
The DGP informed that Odisha Police has made significant progress in coastal security in recent years. At present, more than 700 police personnel are deployed across 18 Mar
ine Police Stations.
The force has also strengthened maritime patrolling with 15 Fast Interceptor Boats, 5 drones, and 5 hired trawlers. A Command, Control and Training Centre has been established in Bhubaneswar for better coordination. The ‘NABHAMITRA’ app is being used effectively to track fishing vessels, and retired Navy and Coast Guard officers have been integrated into the system.
On plans for the future, the police chief announced that the state will procure 10 new Fast Interceptor Boats, additional trawlers, set up mini control centres, install CCTV surveillance at fish landing centres, construct modular jetties, and deploy modern anti-drone systems to further enhance coastal security.
He stressed the need for better coordination among various agencies, use of modern technology, and active participation of the fishing community.
Additional DGP (Coastal Security) Arun Bothra delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the conference.
Senior officials and experts from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Intelligence Bureau, Indian Coast Guard, CISF, and Kerala Police participated in the conference and shared valuable insights, experiences, and best practices.
In the morning session, Commandant Uday Kumar Choudhury from the Coastal Security and Border Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, spoke on the present status and policy direction of India’s coastal security system.
Similarly, Manish Kumar Verma, Joint Deputy Director of the Intelligence Bureau, New Delhi, expressed his views on the major challenges in the field of coastal security and future strategies.
In the afternoon session, DIG and Chief Staff Officer Pankaj Verma from the Indian Coast Guard’s Eastern Regional Headquarters, Kolkata, discussed how coastal security can be further strengthened through modern technology and electronic surveillance systems.
Deputy Commandant Siddharth Pal from CISF, Kochi, threw light on port and SPM security-related risks and operational challenges.
The suggestions and recommendations emerging from the conference are expected to help make Odisha’s coastal security more efficient, coordinated, and effective in the coming years.