Bhubaneswar, Jan 2: To commemorate Republic Day and strengthen coastal security, the Odisha Police will raise the Indian national flag at key locations along the state’s 480-kilometer coastline, starting January 26. This symbolic gesture aims to promote national pride while deterring illegal infiltration and maritime threats.
The flags will be unfurled at strategic coastal points, including Puri, Paradip, Gopalpur, and Dhamra, which are significant from a national heritage perspective and identified as vulnerable to illegal activities such as smuggling and human trafficking. These locations have been chosen for their high visibility and their importance in maintaining maritime security.
This initiative is part of Odisha's larger efforts to enhance coastal surveillance, including deploying advanced technology and improved inter-agency coordination. The state has been focusing on bolstering its coastal defense system in response to growing maritime threats and security challenges.
Odisha Police Director General (DGP) Sunil Bansal emphasized that the flag-hoisting event is a powerful reminder of the state’s patriotism and its dedication to ensuring national security. Local communities have welcomed this initiative, viewing it as an important step toward securing their coastal regions and protecting their livelihoods.
This move underscores the state's ongoing commitment to safeguarding its coastline and reinforcing its role in India's overall security infrastructure.