Bhubaneswar: Odisha has significantly strengthened security measures along its coastline amid concerns over possible illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania said during the Coastal Security State-Level Seminar on Thursday.
The DGP stated that marine police units and coastal security agencies have been placed on high alert and are maintaining constant vigilance across Odisha’s maritime boundary to prevent any unlawful entry through coastal routes.
₹150 Crore Allocated for Coastal Security
To further strengthen the state’s coastal security architecture, the Odisha government has allocated ₹150 crore for infrastructure development, surveillance systems, and operational preparedness.
According to Khurania, authorities are undertaking strategic planning and coordinated efforts to enhance monitoring capabilities and improve response mechanisms along the state’s coastline.
Drone Surveillance and Sea Patrolling Intensified
As part of the enhanced security measures:
- Drone-based aerial surveillance is being carried out across vulnerable coastal stretches.
- Fast interceptor boats are conducting regular sea patrols.
- Additional trawlers have been hired to support maritime monitoring operations.
- The government plans to procure more fast interceptor boats in the coming months.
- CCTV cameras are being installed at key coastal locations and security centres.
Officials said these measures are aimed at improving real-time surveillance, preventing illegal activities, and ensuring swift response to any security threat.
India’s First State-Level Coastal Security Command Centre in Odisha
Highlighting a major milestone, the DGP announced that Odisha has become the first state in India to establish a State-Level Coastal Security Command and Control Centre.
Located in Bhubaneswar, the facility is designed to enhance coordination among multiple security agencies, facilitate information sharing, and enable real-time monitoring of coastal activities across the state.
The centre is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening maritime security and improving operational efficiency in coastal surveillance.
National Coastal Security Conference on June 24
Khurania also revealed that Odisha will host a national-level coastal security conference on June 24, bringing together representatives from all coastal states and Union Territories.
The conference will focus on emerging maritime threats, coastal surveillance technologies, inter-agency coordination, and strategies to strengthen India’s coastal defence and border security framework.
Focus on Maritime Security
With a long coastline and strategic location along the Bay of Bengal, Odisha remains an important component of India’s coastal security network. The latest measures reflect the state’s efforts to enhance maritime vigilance, prevent illegal infiltration, and strengthen preparedness against potential security challenges.
