Paradip: A two-day coastal security exercise named ‘Sagar Kavach-2’ began today at Paradip Coast. Eighteen departments of the Central and the State government including Marine Police, Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Forest, Fisheries and Intelligence are taking part in the naval mock drill.
A senior official who has taken part in the exercise said that Sagar Kavach is aimed at strengthening surveillance, detection and identification of enemy forces in the sea, developing the marine fishing community as ‘eyes and ears’ of security agencies and revalidating the communication and coastal security measures in place. Local residents play a crucial role in the coastal security of the State and are required to be alert and participative of the common cause of coastal security.
The exercise would also test the efficacy of all the agencies involved in ensuring coastal security and the level of coordination among them. During the exercise, the sea force personnel will check fishing vessels and trawlers, and those will not be allowed to venture into the sea sans prescribed colours.
“All participants have been divided into two separate groups Blue Team and Red Team. The Red Team would enter into the sea equipped with arms and ammunition and supposedly attempt to trespass the territorial waters, which will be effectively retaliated by the Blue Team,” the official stated.
It is pertinent to mention, the mock drill was earlier launched following the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack. The Sagar Kavach exercise is carried out twice a year jointly by both governments.
