Bhubaneswar: Amid widening India-Pakistan conflict, the Odisha government has declared certain coastal areas as no-fly zones and mounted a strict vigil on use of drones in the state.
With Pakistan continuously attacking India’s border areas with drones, missiles and other weapons, the state government issued instruction to the police to maintain a close watch on un-registered drone operators.
In view of the prevailing situation, the state government alerted police to monitor and regulate drone flying activities, particularly in sensitive areas.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari told reporters that the state government is taking preventive measures as per the direction of the Centre. While the leaves of all senior officials have been cancelled, it will be made applicable to other officials, if required, he said.
Security has been beefed up at all vital installations and sensitive locations, particularly the Integrated Test Range (ITR) of the DRDO at Chandipur in Balasore district, Hirakud Dam, ordnance factory in Balangir, the Minister said.
Several coastal areas, including Puri, are under close surveillance. The security has also been tightened at central government institutions, which could be in the target of terrorists in Odisha.
As part of measures, the Indian Navy has intensified regular patrolling at coastal belts. No-fly zone has been declared banning drone flying at several places. The state government is executing all the orders issued by the Centre.
“The government is keeping eyes on movements of suspects, who had link with terror acts in the past. Various departments have been directed to take preventive measures following a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, he added.
