Bhubaneswar: The 6th Apex Committee Review Meeting (ACRM) on Coastal Security was conducted today in Bhubaneswar to review the progress and initiatives in coastal security for the state of Odisha. The meeting was co-chaired by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.
Key representatives from various agencies attended the meeting, including officials from the Indian Navy, led by the Naval Officer-in-Charge (NOIC) Odisha, along with senior officials from the State Government of Odisha, the Indian Coast Guard, and representatives from Dhamra, Paradip, and Gopalpur Ports. Additional participants included officials from the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB), the Integrated Test Range (ITR) Balasore, and departments of Fisheries and Customs.
The ACRM was convened to conduct an annual review of Odisha’s coastal security framework, assess progress on previously identified issues, and address emerging security concerns. Discussions included a comprehensive evaluation of developments and progress achieved since the last review, focusing on enhancing maritime safety and operational preparedness.
During the meeting, officials identified key challenges faced in the maritime domain and deliberated on future measures, emphasizing collaborative solutions to improve coastal security and strengthen resilience against potential threats. The meeting concluded with an actionable roadmap designed to bolster the effectiveness of Odisha’s coastal security initiatives.
This strategic initiative underlines the commitment of the Indian Navy, Odisha State Government, and other stakeholders towards ensuring a secure maritime environment and enhancing coastal defence in alignment with national security priorities.
