Synopsis
The 'Sagar Kavach' exercise aimed at enhancing coastal security in West Bengal concluded successfully. Conducted over two days, it involved various simulations and coordinated efforts from multiple agencies to ensure the state's maritime safety.Key Takeaways
- Exercise Name: Sagar Kavach
- Duration: Two days
- Location: West Bengal coastline
- Key Participants: Indian Coast Guard, Navy, Police, and more
- Objective: Validate coastal security protocols
Kolkata, Feb 22 (NationPress) A two-day initiative aimed at evaluating the coastal security protocols in West Bengal successfully concluded on Saturday. This initiative, referred to as 'Sagar Kavach', was organized under the supervision of the Commander of the Coast Guard Region North East, with the State Coastal Security Operation Centre (SCSOC) at Headquarters Coast Guard District No 8 serving as the central hub.
“Throughout the initiative, the coastal security SOPs for the state were affirmed via a range of exercises conducted along its extensive 158 km coastline. The scenarios included simulated incidents such as the hijacking of fishing vessels for terrorist landings, contraband smuggling, barge hijacking, IED placements, and assaults on critical infrastructure along the West Bengal coast,” stated a senior official from the Coast Guard.
Additionally, he noted that apart from active maritime and river patrols undertaken by vessels from the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, West Bengal Police, CISF, BSF, and Customs, district police and the Forest Department also conducted coastal patrols.
Fishermen’s watch groups at various sites were activated to act as the ‘Eyes and Ears’ of the security forces. Special operations during the initiative included efforts from the CISF and Quick Response Teams from both the Coast Guard and police.
“The initiative also featured synchronized Sea and Air surveillance carried out by the Coast Guard,” he added.
He further emphasized that West Bengal possesses significant maritime assets along its 158 km coastline, comprising 330,000 fishermen operating over 16,000 fishing vessels, two major ports, multiple river ports, jetties, and a plethora of coastal industries.
“As a state with maritime borders and unique riverine geography, the entire coastline remains vulnerable, presenting substantial challenges for security agencies. Thus, effective coordination is crucial among all forces for safeguarding the state’s seaward security. To tackle this concern and validate the coastal security framework, directives were issued by the Central and State governments to jointly conduct the exercise,” he elaborated.
He discussed the necessity of regularly validating SOPs and evolving new strategies to adapt to global events.
“The methods of terrorism, smuggling, illegal immigration, and poaching are continuously advancing, necessitating that security forces remain proactive,” he noted. The insights gained from the exercise will be reviewed at a higher level to further enhance the coastal security framework and SOPs for the state, as well as to fortify collaboration between all agencies,” he concluded.
