Bhubaneswar: A two-day joint coastal security exercise, ‘Sagar Kavach’, commenced at Paradip on Tuesday, aiming to strengthen preparedness against potential maritime threats and infiltration in Odisha.

The drill, conducted twice every year following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is jointly organised by the Central and State governments to enhance coastal security mechanisms. The exercise will continue for two days in deep-sea areas.

More than 10 agencies are participating in the exercise, demonstrating coordinated strategies to prevent terrorist attacks and infiltration through sea routes. Key participants are the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, CISF, Odisha Police, Marine Police, Customs Department, Fire Services Department, Fisheries Department, Forest Department and Paradip Port authorities.

The exercise has been divided into two teams. The ‘Red Team’ simulates terrorists attempting to infiltrate through waterways and launch attacks on land, while the ‘Blue Team’ is tasked with intercepting and neutralising these threats through coordinated response on both sea and land.

Simultaneous drills are being carried out in deep-sea areas as well as along the coast, involving intensive patrolling and surveillance operations.

In Puri district, the Odisha Police has launched parallel mock drills under ‘Sagar Kavach’ across key marine police station areas, including Astaranga, Chandrabhaga, Talabania and Arakhakuda. Security has been heightened in sensitive locations such as the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Konark Sun Temple and Mangala Temple in Kakatpur.