The Coastal Security Wing of Odisha Police on Thursday organized the “State-Level Coastal Security Conference–2026” at Police Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The conference focused on the theme “Coastal Security Mechanism: Challenges, Solutions and the Way Forward”, bringing together senior officials and experts from various security and administrative agencies to discuss the current status, challenges, and future roadmap for strengthening coastal security.

Coastal Security Vital for National and Economic Security: DGP

Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania, who inaugurated the conference as the chief guest, emphasized that coastal security is a crucial component of the country’s internal security framework. He highlighted that Odisha’s 574.7-kilometre-long coastline and major ports such as Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur play a significant role in the state’s economic growth and maritime trade, making coastal security a top priority.

Significant Progress in Coastal Surveillance

The DGP stated that Odisha Police has made notable progress in strengthening coastal security over the past few years. Currently, more than 700 police personnel are deployed across 18 Marine Police Stations along the coast.

To enhance maritime surveillance and patrolling, Odisha Police has deployed 15 Fast Interceptor Boats, five drones, and five hired trawlers. The Command, Control and Training Centre in Bhubaneswar is playing a key role in coordinating and monitoring coastal security operations.

He also informed that the NABHAMITRA mobile application is being used to monitor the movement of fishing vessels, while retired officers from the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard have also been engaged to support the coastal security framework.

More Modern Equipment Planned

Highlighting future plans, the DGP announced that Odisha Police will procure 10 additional Fast Interceptor Boats, more trawlers, mini control centres, and establish CCTV surveillance systems at fishing harbours and fish landing centres.

Plans are also underway to develop modular jetties and install advanced anti-drone systems to further strengthen coastal security infrastructure.

Need for Greater Coordination and Community Participation

Khurania stressed that effective coastal security requires stronger inter-agency coordination, efficient use of modern technology, and active participation from fishing communities. He noted that community involvement remains a critical component in safeguarding coastal regions from emerging threats.

Senior Officials Attend the Conference

Among those present at the conference were DGP (Prisons and Correctional Services) Sushant Kumar Nath, DGP (Crime Branch) Vinaytosh Mishra, Intelligence Director R.P. Koche, and several senior officers from state and central agencies.

The conference began with a welcome address by Additional Director General of Police (Coastal Security) Arun Bothra, who outlined the objectives of the event and discussed measures for identifying and securing vulnerable coastal and maritime locations.

The vote of thanks was delivered by AIG (Coastal Security) Satyajit Mishra.

Experts Discuss Emerging Coastal Security Challenges

During the forenoon session, Uday Kumar Choudhury, Commandant from the Coastal Security and Border Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, spoke about India’s coastal security architecture and policy initiatives.

Manish Kumar Verma, Joint Deputy Director of the Intelligence Bureau, discussed major challenges facing coastal security and suggested future strategies to address them.

Technology and Best Practices Highlighted

In the afternoon session, Pankaj Verma, DIG and Chief Staff Officer of the Indian Coast Guard’s North-East Regional Headquarters in Kolkata, spoke on leveraging advanced technology and electronic surveillance systems to improve coastal security.

Siddharth Paul, Deputy Commandant of CISF, Kochi, highlighted security risks and operational challenges associated with ports and Single Point Mooring (SPM) facilities.

Meanwhile, Kerala Police Inspector Vibin shared Kerala’s successful experiences and best practices in involving fishing communities in coastal security initiatives.

Recommendations to Strengthen Coastal Security

Participants expressed confidence that the suggestions, experiences, and recommendations shared during the conference would help make Odisha’s coastal security system more efficient, coordinated, and effective in addressing evolving maritime security challenges.