Bhubaneswar, Dec 1: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to strengthen coastal security by setting up 18 coastal police stations and deploying additional security personnel along the shoreline.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Tusharkanti Behera, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the state Assembly that operations such as Operation Sajag and Sagar Kavach are being conducted regularly to prevent infiltration and smuggling across the maritime border.

The Chief Minister noted that, in addition to the 18 coastal police stations, Special Police Officers (SPOs) have been stationed on fishing vessels to boost surveillance at sea.

He further stated that the government has approved the deployment of five hovercrafts for coastal patrolling and 15 Fast Interceptor Boats (FIBs) to enhance maritime security.

To strengthen mobility and response capabilities, the government has also supplied four All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) for coastal patrolling and ten high-speed boats dedicated to rescue operations.

A budget allocation of ₹26.194 crore has been sanctioned for the coastal security plan for the fiscal year 2025–26.