Odisha DGP Y B Khurania has said retired coast guard and Navy personnel will be recruited to serve in marine police stations in the state to strengthen coastal security. Odisha has 18 marine police stations.
The announcement followed Khurania’s discussion with Donny Michael, additional director general of Coast Guard commander (eastern seaboard in Visakhapatnam). The meeting addressed strategies to improve coastal surveillance, aerial monitoring, and implementation of control measures along the state’s 487-km coastline. The coast guard also pledged comprehensive support and technical expertise to Odisha marine police.
According to Khurania, a separate board consisting of coast guard and Odisha police officials will be established. This board will conduct thorough inspections of the coastal areas, and their findings will determine the allocation of boats and infrastructure to marine police stations. Currently, the 18 marine police stations protect Odisha’s coast, operating with just 13 outdated patrol vessels.
“Our meeting emphasised the importance of maintaining effective coordination between both departments for coastal security purposes,” Khurania said. According to police sources, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) will be bought to bolster coastal patrolling operations. Police officials said these vehicles will improve monitoring and movement across difficult coastal landscapes, including sandy shores, mangrove forests, and waterlogged regions.
