In a major push to enhance maritime security and strengthen search and rescue operations along Odisha’s coast, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has proposed the establishment of new jetties and deployment of larger vessels at key ports in the state.
Inspector General (North East Region) Iqbal Singh Chauhan shared the development during the two-day Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Workshop and Sea Exercise, which concluded in Paradip on Saturday. He said formal proposals have been sent to both the state and central governments for land allocation to construct jetties at Gopalpur and Dhamra ports.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured full support to fast-track these initiatives, he added.
As part of its long-term plan, the ICG also intends to set up a dedicated Coast Guard station at Dhamra, equipped with unmanned aerial vehicles and drone facilities to significantly bolster surveillance and emergency response capabilities along Odisha’s coastline. Additionally, the Centre has been urged to station a larger Coast Guard vessel at each of the ports in Gopalpur and Dhamra.
Explaining the objective of the workshop, Chauhan said it aimed to strengthen adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reassess coordination among multiple government agencies involved in maritime safety. He highlighted that India currently operates three Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (Mumbai, Chennai and Port Blair) and 36 sub-centres, including Paradip.
Chauhan also underlined the ICG’s proactive measures during extreme weather events. “During distress situations such as cyclones, the ICG takes all preventive steps to safeguard fishermen and vessels. Due to timely alerts and coordinated action, Odisha has not recorded a single casualty in the last five years during cyclonic events,” he said.
The proposals, once approved, are expected to significantly improve Odisha’s coastal infrastructure and maritime response readiness.
