Bhubaneswar, June 6: The Coastal Security Wing of Odisha Police today organised the “State-Level Coastal Security Conference–2026” at Police Bhavan. The conference, themed “Coastal Security System: Challenges, Solutions and Future Roadmap,” focused on the present status of coastal security arrangements, key challenges, possible solutions, and future strategies.
Director General of Police (DGP) Shri Yogesh Bahadur Khurania inaugurated the conference as the chief guest. In his address, he stated that coastal security is an extremely important component of the country’s internal security framework. He emphasized that it is closely linked to the state’s economic development, maritime trade, and public safety. Referring to Odisha’s 574.7-km-long coastline and major ports such as Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, he said that securing coastal areas has been accorded the highest priority because of their vital role in the state’s economic growth.
DGP Shri Khurania said Odisha Police has made remarkable progress in the field of coastal security over the past few years. At present, more than 700 police personnel are deployed in 18 marine police stations located along the coast. In addition, maritime patrolling has been strengthened through 15 fast interceptor boats, five drones, and five hired trawlers. The Command, Control and Training Centre established in Bhubaneswar is playing a crucial role in coordination and monitoring of coastal security activities. He further informed that the movement of fishing boats is being monitored through the ‘NABHAMITRA’ app, and retired officers from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard have also been engaged in the system.
He also announced that, in the coming days, coastal security would be further modernized and strengthened through the induction of 10 additional fast interceptor boats, more trawlers, mini control centres, CCTV surveillance systems at fishing harbours and fish landing centres, modular jetties, and advanced anti-drone systems.
The DGP stressed that stronger inter-agency coordination, effective use of modern technology, and active participation of the fishing community are essential to further reinforce coastal security.
At the beginning of the programme, Additional Director General of Police (Coastal Security) Shri Arun Bothra delivered the welcome address and highlighted the objectives of the conference, including identification and protection of sensitive coastal and maritime locations.
Senior officials and experts from various security and administrative organisations of both the Central and State Governments participated in the conference.
During the forenoon session, Commandant Shri Uday Kumar Choudhury from the Coastal Security and Border Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, discussed the current status and policy direction of India’s coastal security framework.
Similarly, Joint Deputy Director Shri Manish Kumar Verma from the Intelligence Bureau, New Delhi, spoke about major challenges in the coastal security sector and the future course of action.
In the afternoon session, DIG and Chief Staff Officer Shri Pankaj Verma from the North-East Regional Headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard, Kolkata, discussed how coastal security can be further strengthened through modern technology and electronic surveillance systems.
Deputy Commandant Shri Siddharth Paul of CISF, Kochi, highlighted risks and operational challenges related to port and SPM (Single Point Mooring) security. Inspector Shri Vibin from Kerala Police presented Kerala’s experiences and best practices in involving fishing communities in the coastal security system.
It was expressed at the conference that the various suggestions, experiences, and recommendations shared during the sessions would help make the coastal security system more efficient, coordinated, and effective.
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