Bhubaneswar: As the government advances with ambitious plans to promote the blue economy and harness maritime resources, Odisha police have formulated a multi-agency coordination strategy to address potential threats emanating from the sea.
Mapping Vulnerable Coastline
Director General of Police Y B Khurania stated that vulnerable stretches of the 575-kilometer coastline are being mapped with assistance from intelligence agencies. A comprehensive roadmap is being prepared to enhance security and surveillance. He made these remarks at a national seminar on coastal security held in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, which saw participation from various state and central agencies, including marine police officials from different states.
Proposals to Fortify Defenses
Khurania revealed that several proposals are under active consideration to strengthen Odisha's coastal defenses. He noted that the coastline is experiencing rapid growth in maritime activity, driven by blue economy initiatives and the Sagarmala project. While these developments bring economic opportunities, they also increase vulnerabilities that could be exploited by anti-national elements, infiltrators, drug smugglers, and transnational criminal networks.
He emphasized that coastal security cannot be the responsibility of a single agency. It requires a coordinated, multi-layered, intelligence-driven approach involving the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, Customs, Fisheries, Forest Department, Port Authorities, intelligence agencies, and fishing communities who possess intimate knowledge of the waters.
Community Policing and Technological Upgrades
Community policing will be key, with fishermen acting as the eyes and ears of the police. Plans are underway to procure ten aluminum patrol boats, establish mini control centers at 18 marine police stations, install CCTV systems at fishing harbors and landing centers, hire five additional trawlers, set up floating jetties, and acquire anti-drone systems. These measures aim to strengthen surveillance, operational preparedness, and response capabilities along Odisha's coastline.
Financial Allocation
According to the state police, the government has accorded high priority to coastal security, allocating Rs 149 crore in the previous fiscal year and Rs 113 crore this year for marine police stations, specialized assets, personnel training, and surveillance upgrades.
Additional Director General of Police (Coastal Security) Arun Bothra highlighted additional measures. Five trawlers have been hired to augment patrol capabilities. A state-of-the-art command control room and training center has been established, and plans to install CCTV at all fish landing centers are underway.
Command Center and Personnel Deployment
The command center, built at a cost of Rs 5.28 crore, will enhance maritime domain awareness and provide structured training to marine police. To support policy and operations, three consultants have been engaged, 140 special police officers deployed in sensitive coastal areas, and retired Navy and Coast Guard personnel hired to mentor and strengthen coastal security operations.
