In News:

The biannual coastal security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ has commenced along the Tamil Nadu coast, covering Cuddalore and Villupuram districts, to test multi-agency preparedness against maritime security threats.

About ‘Sagar Kavach’

• Nature:‘Sagar Kavach’ is a biannual, multi-agency coastal security exercise conducted along India’s coastline.
• Conducted by:Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

Key Objectives

• Validate and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for coastal security
• Identify vulnerabilities in coastal surveillance and response mechanisms
• Strengthen inter-agency coordination among maritime, security, and civil authorities
• Enhance readiness of coastal police and local administration

Key Features

• Frequency: Conducted twice a year across coastal States and island territories
• Threat Simulation:
  • Deployment of ‘Red Force’ dummy intruders
  • Mock infiltration and sabotage scenarios
• Operational Activities:
  • Sea and coastal patrolling
  • Boat and vessel inspections
  • Harbour and port security checks
  • Surveillance of vulnerable coastal stretches
• Coverage:
  • Coastal villages
  • Fishing harbours and ports
  • Vital installations
  • Railways, bus stations, and sensitive public infrastructure
• Capacity Building:
  • Trains coastal police in intelligence gathering, interception, interrogation, and patrolling
  • Tests response time and communication efficiency
• Integrated Approach:
  • Combines surface assets, aerial surveillance, and communication networks
  • Involves coordination between defence forces, paramilitary units, State police, intelligence agencies, and civil administration

Significance

• Strengthens India’s layered coastal security architecture, especially after lessons from past maritime attacks
• Enhances preparedness against non-traditional security threats such as terrorism and smuggling
• Builds local-level resilience by integrating coastal communities and police into national security efforts
• Reinforces India’s commitment to maritime security and coastal surveillance