3 defence agencies meet in Berhampur to discuss coastal security arrangements

A Multi-Agency Coordination committee comprising officials of Police, Gopalpur Coast Guard Station, INS Chilka (Sailor Training Establishment), Gopalpur Port and Indian Rare Earths Limited held a discussion on coastal security arrangements at the Office of Police Inspector General (Southern Range) in Berhampur on Friday.

Briefing the media, Inspector General of Police (Southern Range) Amitabh Thakur informed, “The meeting primarily discussed security of Vital Installations. Besides, the committee also discussed on various requirements for coastal security, functioning of different agencies engaged in coastal security, coordination among different security agencies engaged in coastal security and sharing of information.”

When asked about the non-functioning of boats he said, “Unless the boats get repaired, extra force will be deployed on the coast for security.”

Police will look after security on the sea coast up to 12 Nautical Miles, Coast Guards will see from 12-200 Nautical Miles and the Navy will look beyond 200 Nautical Miles.

The functioning of SMAC (Specialized Multi Agency Centre) that was recently introduced at the office of Berhampur Superintendent of Police was also discussed in the meeting. Berhampur SP Sarthak Sarangi, who is the Nodal Officer of SMAC, said, “SMAC will coordinate with the three security agencies - Coast Guard, Police and Army.”

Among others Asutosh Behera, Commanding Officer of Gopalpur Coast Guard Station, Col Manjeet from Army AD College, Security Staff officer of INS Chilka (Indian Navy) Lieutenant Colonel Sandeep C and officials of other concerned agencies attended the meeting.