Two-day coastal defence exercise ‘Sea Vigil’ kicks off along Paradip coast 

The Indian Navy kick-started the third edition of the two-day-long mega coastal defence exercise ‘Sea Vigil-22’ along the coast of Paradip on Tuesday. 

The exercise was conceptualised in 2018 and validates various measures that have been instituted towards enhancing maritime security since 26/11 attack. Coast Guard, Marine Police, Customs, Forest department, Fishery department, Odisha Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Intelligence Department and over 13 central and state organisations are participating in the event. 

The major objective behind this exercise is to strengthen the coastal security in India. This exercise will provide a realistic assessment of strengths and weaknesses which in turn will help strengthen Maritime and National Security. This will also reduce man and material smuggling through water.

The exercise is being carried out jointly by Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. There will be two teams-Red Team and Blue Team. While Red Team will target the fishing jetty, Mahanadi river mouth, Exclusive Economic Zone, Radar Station, Light House, film hall, slums, trade centre, bus stand, port gate, administrative building and gates of industries, the Blue Team will prevent them. 

Notably, the exercise is being taken along the entire 7516 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India, involving all the coastal states and union territories along with other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities.