Enhanced Security Measures Implemented at Paradip Port
In response to Monday evening's bomb blast in New Delhi, authorities have significantly tightened security protocols at Paradip Port in Odisha. The port's security alert level has been officially elevated to level 2, with intensified patrolling activities throughout the port premises and surrounding areas.
Additional superintendent of police for Jagatsinghpur, Smurti Ranjan Kar, confirmed on Tuesday that all vehicles entering the port area are undergoing thorough security checks. This immediate response demonstrates the heightened state of alert across critical infrastructure following the national capital incident.
Comprehensive Coastal Security Operations
Security forces and marine police stations have launched extensive verification operations targeting fishing vessels and trawlers operating in the region. The fisheries department's prior implementation of biometric fingerprint identity cards (BFIC) for marine fishermen has become a crucial component of the enhanced security framework.
"Without these identity cards, fishermen cannot venture into the sea," emphasized Kar. "We have successfully raised awareness among villagers and fishermen in nearly every coastal community about potential maritime threats and how they can actively contribute to coastal security."
Authorities have issued specific guidelines to traditional marine fishermen, recommending group fishing activities in small boats and mandating immediate reporting of any suspicious vessels. Fishermen must carry original boat registration certificates alongside their biometric identity cards during all maritime activities.
Strengthening Surveillance Through Community Partnership
The Joint Coastal Patrol (JCP) exercise has been activated with clear objectives: strengthening surveillance capabilities, improving detection and identification of potential threats, and validating communication systems. This initiative strategically positions the marine fishing community as the "eyes and ears" of security agencies along the coastline.
A senior official from the Indian Coast Guard headquarters in Paradip confirmed that coastal security has been intensified along Odisha's 484-kilometer coastline. The coast guard, in coordination with other security agencies, has implemented strict patrolling measures to protect the state's significant maritime assets.
Odisha's substantial maritime infrastructure includes approximately 360,000 fishermen operating more than 20,000 fishing boats, three major ports at Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, plus numerous jetties and coastal industries. This economic significance underscores the critical importance of the current security enhancements.
