Odisha strengthens coastal security after Operation Sindoor, marine police on 24x7 vigil

Odisha, with its 480-kilometre-long coastline, has become the focal point of intensified coastal security measures following Operation Sindoor. The state’s marine police remain on constant alert to safeguard the coast from various threats. Their key responsibilities include preventing infiltration by foreign nationals, curbing illegal trawling, stopping arms smuggling, and tackling drug trafficking. Strict surveillance is also maintained on ships entering Indian territorial waters without proper authorisation.

Coastal security operations are being conducted in close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy. Regular patrolling is carried out, supported by Fast Interceptor Boats (FIBs) for rapid response and interception at sea.

To assess the strength of Odisha’s coastal defence, OTV ventured into the mid-sea, where the marine police were found alert 24x7 to curb any kind of illegal activities.

“As per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the same legal actions that apply on land also apply in water. Marine police stations have been set up for this purpose. Odisha has six coastal districts, under which there are 18 marine police stations. The government is providing ample infrastructure. In the coming days, we will be equipped with modern instruments and highly advanced boats worth Rs 100 crore. These boats will have AI-enabled cameras capable of detecting ships up to 12 nautical miles beyond,” said Satyajit Mishra, AIG of Police, Marine and Coastal Security.

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“The international border lies beyond 300 nautical miles. We guard up to 12 nautical miles, the Indian Coast Guard operates up to 200–300 nautical miles, and the Indian Navy functions beyond that. We also plan to set up a training centre in Odisha for marine and coastal police officers. The process is underway, and the Chief Minister has approved the proposal. Maritime law will be taught there, and skilled personnel will train officers in modern technology," he further said.

“Some ex-Naval and ex-Coast Guard personnel have been appointed and are well-trained in rescue operations. They have been deployed on boats for such missions. Apart from the marine police, we also coordinate with other stakeholders like the Fisheries Department, Forest Department, and Commerce and Transport Department. A large number of Sagar Mitras, appointed by the Fisheries Department, are on duty 24x7 to monitor fishermen venturing into the sea. If any unidentified person is found, they are immediately intercepted by the marine police. We are on alert around the clock, and no intruder will be spared,” he added.