Paradip: A two-day coastal security exercise, Sagar Kavach-2, aimed at testing and strengthening Odisha’s maritime defence preparedness, concluded on Thursday.
The large-scale drill saw the participation of 18 central and state agencies, including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, CISF, Marine Police, Odisha Police, Forest and Fisheries Departments, Paradip Port Authority, Customs, Immigration, and Fire Services.
During the exercise, the Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, and Fisheries Department carried out sea patrols up to 100 nautical miles from the coast, while CISF, Odisha Police, Paradip Port, Immigration, Intelligence, and Fire Services engaged in land-based operations. Fishermen were also sensitized on reporting suspicious activities or foreign intruders spotted in the deep sea.
Officials said the exercise was designed to enhance surveillance, detection, and neutralization of potential maritime threats while revalidating inter-agency communication and coordination systems.
The Sagar Kavach series of drills, conducted twice annually since their inception after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, are a key part of India’s coastal security strategy to prevent infiltration and ensure operational readiness.
