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Odisha DGP Hoists National Flag on Uninhabited Island to Boost Coastal Security

Odisha's Director General of Police, Y.B. Khurania, hoisted the national flag on the uninhabited Udabali Island to reinforce the commitment to coastal security. He outlined a comprehensive, modernized security plan backed by a Rs 149 crore budgetary allocation. The initiative includes deploying advanced drones, increasing patrol vessels, and installing CCTV systems with live feeds to a central command center. The event aimed to raise public awareness, with plans to extend the flag-hoisting tradition to all of Odisha's islands on Republic Day.

Key Points: Odisha DGP Leads Flag Hoisting on Island, Highlights Coastal Security

  • Flag hoisting on uninhabited island
  • Rs 149 crore budget for coastal security
  • Deployment of drones and patrol vessels
  • Multi-layered security mechanism
  • Public awareness drive
2 min read

Odisha DGP leads flag hoisting ceremony on uninhabited island near Dhamra Port

Odisha DGP Y.B. Khurania unfurled the national flag on Udabali Island, detailing a Rs 149 crore initiative to modernize coastal and maritime security.

"A long-term initiative has been taken by the Odisha Police to strengthen and modernise the coastal security system. - Y.B. Khurania"

Bhubaneswar, Jan 22

Odisha Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, on Thursday, unfurled the National Tricolour at the Udabali Island in Bhadrak district, reiterating the state and Central government's commitment to strengthening coastal and maritime security.

Addressing the gathering, DGP Khurania said Odisha has a coastline of nearly 574 km, which plays a vital role in economic activities, including major ports such as Paradip and Gopalpur.

He noted that the state also has 16 islands located along the coast, making coastal security a top priority for both the Union and state governments.

On the occasion, DGP Khurania said that a long-term initiative has been taken by the Odisha Police to strengthen and modernise the coastal security system along the state.

He noted that the state government has made an allocation of Rs 149 crore in the annual budget for this initiative during the current financial year.

The DGP told that in the past year, Odisha Police has been provided with enhanced resources to boost maritime surveillance.

"Advanced drones have been procured for aerial monitoring, and additional fishing trawlers have been hired to strengthen sea patrolling."

He said the number of patrol vessels has increased, leading to faster and more effective coastal surveillance.

He also added that CCTV systems are being installed at all major coastal fishing centres, with live feeds available at nearby marine police stations and the Central Command and Control Centre in Bhubaneswar.

The live feed from drone-mounted cameras will also be monitored at the central control room to ensure real-time aerial surveillance, the DGP said.

Special Police Officers have been deployed to intensify coastal patrolling and monitoring, he said, adding that a comprehensive multi-layered security mechanism is being put in place across all coastal and Island areas.

The DGP said the tradition of unfurling the Tricolour on all islands of Odisha on the occasion of Republic Day has been initiated to promote awareness about coastal security among the general public.

He expressed happiness over the large participation of local residents, NCC cadets and cultural groups at the event.

Thanking various government departments, agencies, the NCC Directorate and local cultural organisations for their support, the DGP said public participation will play a key role in making Odisha's coastal security even stronger in the coming days.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the government focusing on our islands. Often these remote areas are neglected. Involving local residents and NCC cadets is a smart way to build community awareness.
R
Rohit P
While the flag hoisting is symbolic, I hope the funds are used efficiently on the ground. We hear about allocations, but transparency in spending is key. The CCTV and drone plan sounds promising though.
M
Meera T
As someone from a coastal district, this is very reassuring. The fishing communities often feel vulnerable. Installing CCTV at fishing centres and involving them in patrolling is a great step for their safety and national security.
D
David E
Interesting read. A multi-layered security mechanism for a 574 km coastline is a massive undertaking. The integration of technology (drones, live feeds) with human patrols (SPOs, fishermen) seems like a robust model other states could learn from.
S
Siddharth J
The tradition of hoisting the flag on all islands on Republic Day is a powerful message of sovereignty and integration. It's more than just a ceremony; it's about asserting presence and security in every corner of our nation.

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