Innovative Drone Patrols Enhance Coastal Security in Kendrapara District

Drone Technology Boosts Coastal Surveillance

Rajnagar: In a groundbreaking initiative, the Talachua Marine Police Station in Kendrapara district has introduced drone technology for its patrol operations, aiming to bolster coastal surveillance in areas prone to illegal activities. Police reports indicate that unauthorized entries predominantly occur through the region's waterways. Given the proximity of the APJ Abdul Kalam missile testing facility to the Rajnagar coast and heightened tensions with Pakistan, authorities have ramped up their waterborne patrol efforts. The Talachua Marine Police Station has been actively conducting continuous patrols, both day and night. The drone, which was received on Thursday, was utilized for the first time on Friday during a standard patrol.

Talachua has emerged as a significant entry point for illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, many of whom exploit maritime routes to enter India. The introduction of the drone is anticipated to improve surveillance capabilities and assist in tracking the movements of suspected Bangladeshi nationals and other potential criminals. Under the supervision of Inspector in-Charge Bimal Kumar Mallik, the police have employed the drone to observe unidentified or suspicious vessels and objects during coastal patrols. The area has experienced numerous unauthorized entries, including an incident six months ago when three containers drifted in from West Bengal, reaching the restricted zone of the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary without detection, despite ongoing patrols, raising alarms about the current security protocols.