Bhubaneswar: A two-day joint coastal security exercise, ‘Sagar Kavach’, commenced at Paradip on Tuesday, aimed at strengthening preparedness against potential maritime threats and infiltration in Odisha. The exercise brings together multiple agencies to demonstrate coordinated strategies to counter terror threats and secure the state’s coastline.
The exercise, conducted twice a year following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is jointly organised by the Central and State governments. It focuses on enhancing coastal security mechanisms and involves deep-sea drills as well as operations along the coast.
More than 10 agencies are participating in the exercise, including the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, CISF, Odisha Police, Marine Police, Customs Department, Fire Services, Fisheries Department, Forest Department, and Paradip Port authorities. The drill aims to improve coordination among these agencies to effectively respond to maritime threats.
The exercise has been divided into two teams. The Red Team simulates terrorists attempting to infiltrate through waterways and carry out attacks on land. The Blue Team is tasked with intercepting and neutralizing these threats through coordinated responses on both sea and land. Simultaneous drills are being carried out in deep-sea areas as well as along the coastline, involving intensive patrolling and surveillance operations.
In Puri district, the Odisha Police have launched parallel mock drills under ‘Sagar Kavach’ across key marine police station areas, including Astaranga, Chandrabhaga, Talabania, and Arakhakuda. Security has been heightened at sensitive locations, including the Shree Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, and Mangala Temple in Kakatpur.
The two-day drill is expected to conclude on Wednesday, after which the participating agencies will review the exercise to identify gaps and enhance preparedness for future threats.
