The coastal security mechanism for the state of West Bengal was put on test during a two days security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach (WB)- 01/25’ conducted on 21-22 February 2025.During the exercise, the Coastal Security SOPs for the state were validated through series of drills conducted across the 158 km of coastline of the state. The exercise was coordinated by Commander Coast Guard (NE). The State Coastal Security Operation Centre (SCSOC) at Headquarters Coast Guard District No. 8, Haldia was the nerve centre for the exercise, which witnessed simulated situations such as hijacking of fishing boats for landing of terrorists, smuggling of contraband, hijacking of barges, planting of IEDs and attacks on vital assets and vital points along the coast of West Bengal. Besides active sea and river patrolling by Indian Coast Guard, Navy, Police, CISF, BSF and Customs boats; coastal patrolling by district police and patrolling by forest department was also undertaken. The fishermen watch group at various places were also activated as ‘Eyes and Ears’ of security forces. Special operations conducted during exercise included operations by CISF and QRTs of Coast Guard / Police. The exercise also witnessed Sea and Air coordinated sueveillance by Coast Guard.
West Bengal has large maritime assets along its 158 km coastline, which include 3.3 lakh fishermen operating over 16000 fishing boats, two majot ports, several river ports and jetties and large number of coastal industries. Being a maritime border state with unique riverine geography, the entire coastline is porous and poses a major challenge for security agencies. Therefore, coordination is very important amongst all forces for the seaward security of the state. To address this issue and to validate coastal security mechanism, the mandate was issued by Central and State governments for conducting the exercise jointly so that coordination is maintained amongst all the security forces working under the central and state governments on issues related with coastal security.
The lessons learnt during the exercise will be deliberated at higher level for further improvements in Coastal Security mechanism and SOPs for the state of West Bengal as well as to strengthen coordination amongst security agencies.
