Patrolling intensified, drones deployed along Odisha coast

In the wake of growing security concerns along Odisha’s extensive coastline and the need for heightened vigilance in view of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a high-level security review meeting was convened at the Police Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

The meeting was chaired by the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, and was attended by top-ranking officials, including the Additional Director General (ADG) of Coastal Security and the ADG of Law and Order.

The agenda of the meeting focused primarily on evaluating the existing security infrastructure along the state’s coastal regions, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and ensuring operational readiness of the marine and coastal forces.
With Odisha’s 480-kilometre-long coastline being vulnerable to a variety of threats, including infiltration, smuggling, and natural calamities, the state police are taking proactive steps to bolster coastal security.

Briefing the media after the meeting, ADG Coastal Security Arun Bothra stated, “We have significantly enhanced drone surveillance along the coastal zones to ensure real-time monitoring of suspicious activities. Our marine police stations are fully aler,t and all coastal protection units have been asked to maintain a constant state of readiness.”

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He further added, “We are working in close coordination with the Indian Navy and central intelligence agencies. Regular communication and information-sharing mechanisms have been established to respond quickly to any threats or emergencies. Joint patrolling exercises are also being planned to boost preparedness.”

Emphasising the role of technology in modern policing, the ADG said that advanced surveillance systems, high-speed interceptor boats, and mobile patrol units are being strategically deployed along sensitive stretches of the coast.

The DGP, in his opening remarks, stressed the importance of a coordinated approach involving multiple agencies such as the Marine Police, Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and intelligence departments to ensure a seamless security grid. He appreciated the efforts of the police forces and urged them to remain vigilant, especially during times of festivals, cyclone warnings, or any other critical events that may pose a risk to public safety.

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Officials also discussed the preparedness of all marine police stations, the availability of manpower, training needs, and logistics. Steps are being taken to upgrade infrastructure, increase coastal outposts, and enhance the capability of marine police personnel.

This strategic meeting marks a renewed emphasis on coastal vigilance and law enforcement as Odisha continues to play a crucial role in the maritime security architecture of eastern India.