Bhubaneswar, 04 June (H.S.): The Coastal Security Wing of Odisha Police on Thursday organized the State-Level Coastal Security Conference–2026 at Police Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, focusing on strengthening the state’s maritime and coastal defence architecture.

The conference, themed “Coastal Security System: Challenges, Solutions and Future Roadmap,” brought together senior officials, security experts, and representatives from various central and state agencies to deliberate on the current status of coastal security, emerging threats, operational gaps, and future strategies for enhanced maritime safety.

Director General of Police (DGP) Odisha, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, inaugurated the conference as the chief guest. He underlined that coastal security is a critical component of internal security, closely linked to economic growth, maritime trade, and public safety. Highlighting Odisha’s 574.7-km-long coastline and key ports such as Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, he stressed the need for heightened vigilance and strengthened security mechanisms in coastal regions.

The DGP noted that Odisha Police has made significant progress in coastal security over the past few years. The state currently operates 18 marine police stations with over 700 personnel deployed. Surveillance and patrolling capabilities have been enhanced through 15 Fast Interceptor Boats, five drones, and five hired trawlers.

He also highlighted the role of the Command, Control and Training Centre in Bhubaneswar, which coordinates coastal security operations and monitoring activities. Additionally, the “NABHAMITRA” application is being used to track fishing vessel movements, improving real-time monitoring and response capabilities. The integration of retired Navy and Coast Guard personnel has further strengthened operational expertise.

Looking ahead, Khurania announced plans to further modernize coastal security infrastructure. These include the induction of 10 additional Fast Interceptor Boats, more patrol trawlers, mini control centers, CCTV surveillance systems at fishing harbours and fish landing centres, modular jetties, and advanced anti-drone systems.

He emphasized that inter-agency coordination, technological advancement, and active participation of fishing communities are essential to ensuring robust coastal security.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, DGP (Prisons and Correctional Services) Sushant Kumar Nath, DGP (Crime Branch) Binaytosh Mishra, and Intelligence Director R.P. Koche also attended the conference.

In the inaugural session, Additional DGP (Coastal Security) Arun Bothra outlined the objectives of the conference and highlighted key vulnerabilities along the coastline, along with measures required to strengthen surveillance and response systems.

Sessions throughout the day featured presentations from senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Coastal Security and Border Management Division, the Intelligence Bureau, the Indian Coast Guard, CISF, and representatives from Kerala Police. Discussions covered national coastal security frameworks, intelligence challenges, technological integration, port security risks, and community engagement models.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda