Bhubaneswar, 22 January (H.S.): Odisha has taken a major step to enhance coastal security and reaffirm national sovereignty by hoisting the Indian national flag on Udabali Island, located a few kilometres off Dhamra Port in Bhadrak district. The Tricolour was unfurled by Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania, making it fly prominently in the mid-sea as a symbol of national pride, vigilance and territorial integrity.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort to hoist the national flag on 13 other coastal islands across the state. Authorities said the move aims to reinforce India’s sovereign presence along vulnerable sea routes and deter potential infiltration through the coastline.

The step comes against the backdrop of repeated allegations of Bangladeshi intruders entering Odisha’s coastal areas and setting up settlements. With several offshore islands remaining uninhabited, security agencies have identified them as potential targets for illegal activities. The visible presence of the national flag is intended to assert territorial control and draw attention to the strategic importance of these islands. Fishermen operating in nearby waters have also been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements.

Speaking on the occasion, DGP Khurania said the Odisha Police have initiated long-term plans to further strengthen coastal security through modernisation, enhanced surveillance and improved maritime policing mechanisms. He reiterated these priorities during the All-India DGP and IGP Conference held in Bhubaneswar, where safeguarding maritime borders and coastal infrastructure featured prominently in discussions, in line with security concerns highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Officials emphasised that ensuring the security of ports and coastal regions is a collective responsibility of both the government and citizens. The multi-island Tricolour hoisting drive, they said, represents a key component of Odisha’s comprehensive coastal security strategy.

The initiative follows a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hoist the national flag on uninhabited coastal islands as part of Republic Day celebrations, reinforcing India’s commitment to maritime security and national unity.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda