After Sagar Kavach-2’ Coastal Security, the need of HQ Bengal & Odisha Naval Area
The two-day joint coastal security exercise, ‘Sagar Kavach-2’, commenced along the coastlines of Odisha and West Bengal with the participation of military, Paramilitary, Central Armed Police Force, State Police and civilian agencies.
This biennial exercise was envisaged after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to enhance coastal security measures by involving all stake holders including industrial representatives. It highlights the collective approach to securing vital ports, coastal infrastructure, and communities against evolving seaborne threats.
This large-scale drill included the Navy from the Defence Forces, Coast Guard from the paramilitary, Central Industrial Security Force from the CAPF, Customs, State Marine Police of the two States, Forest and Fisheries Departments, district administrations, Paradip Port authorities, and representatives from industrial establishments.
The Combined grouping was divided into two teams with exercise simulating seaborne terrorist threats. The Red Team acted as infiltrators disguised as terrorists attempting to breach coastal defences by entering through waterways, mingling in urban and rural areas, and planting dummy explosives at sensitive locations.
The Blue Team was tasked with intensified surveillance, patrolling to detect and operations to neutralise these simulated threats.
Prior to the drill, local fishermen in Paradip and surrounding areas were sensitised through awareness drives and public announcements over four days. They were advised to carry valid identity cards and registration documents for their trawlers and urged to report any suspicious activities immediately to security personnel.
The exercise aimed to enhance inter-agency coordination, and strengthen the real-time response mechanisms along the eastern coastline. It also aimed to detect gaps in coordination and involve appropriate measures.
The drill further reinforced preparedness against asymmetric threats through infiltration and sleeping cells. Post-exercise assessments will refine and strengthen India’s coastal security framework. The exercise concluded on Wednesday,
By now it must have been clear that we do need to enhance both the strength of the Navy and the Coast Guard, a critical step in bolstering the security architecture along these vulnerable coastal regions.
In view of the flux in Bangladesh and Myanmar, the Navy must start planning to upgrade its Control in the area by establishing a HQ Bengal & Odisha Naval Area. Adequate number of Fast Interceptor Crafts, Patrol Boats, OPV and a pair of missile boats needs to be stationed under this Flag Officer.
