Two-day ‘Sagar Kavach-2’ exercise continues along Odisha-West Bengal coast to ensure coastal security

The second day of the two-day-long joint coastal exercise named ‘Sagar Kavach-2’ continued along the Odisha-West Bengal coast on Thursday.

A total of 18 departments including the Marine Police, Coast Guard, Navy, Forest Department, and Fisheries Department are taking part in the exercise for the safety and security of the coastal area. This practice is being undertaken along the 480 km coastline in Odisha and West Bengal.

As a part of the exercise, the coast and the waterways are being closely guarded while checking is being done at every point. The two-day exercise focuses on preventing the intruders from entering the land through waterways.

The participants have been divided into two teams- named the Blue Force and the Red Force. On the first day of the exercise, practice was made on how to prevent the enemy from entering the land through waterways.

As part of the exercise, mock drills are being conducted in which the Red Force will take over the ships in the deep sea and the Blue Force are trying to rescue the ships. Practice is also being made to have proper coordination to prevent intrusion through waterways.

This kind of exercise is being conducted twice a year. After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, emphasis is being given to coastal defence by the State and Central governments.