Odisha’s Director General of Police, Y.B. Khurania, reaffirmed the commitment of the state and Central government to bolster coastal and maritime security by hoisting the National Tricolour at Udabali Island in Bhadrak district. With a coastline stretching 574 km and 16 islands along the coast, Khurania highlighted the significance of coastal security for both governments. Aiming to enhance coastal security, Odisha Police has allocated Rs 149 crore in the current fiscal year for modernizing the system.
The state has equipped Odisha Police with advanced resources, including drones for aerial monitoring and additional fishing trawlers for sea patrolling. The number of patrol vessels has been increased to ensure swifter and more efficient coastal surveillance. Installation of CCTV systems at major coastal fishing centers, with live feeds accessible at marine police stations and the Central Command and Control Centre in Bhubaneswar, is underway. Real-time aerial surveillance will be conducted by monitoring live feeds from drone-mounted cameras at the central control room.
To intensify coastal patrolling, Special Police Officers have been deployed, and a comprehensive security mechanism is being established across all coastal and Island areas. The tradition of hoisting the Tricolour on all Odisha islands on Republic Day has been initiated to raise awareness about coastal security. Khurania expressed delight over the active participation of local residents, NCC cadets, and cultural groups at the event. Public involvement is deemed crucial in fortifying Odisha’s coastal security in the future.
