Dwarka: Union Home Minister  Amit Shah visited Devbhoomi Dwarka and laid the foundation stone of the National Coastal Police Academy in Okha, which will enhance the security of maritime borders. This academy will serve as a crucial national training institute for personnel involved in maritime security. The event, organized by the BSF at Mojap near Okha, also witnessed the e-inauguration of an OP Tower at Lakhpatwari in the SIR creek area and five Coastal Outposts of the BSF on the Jakhau coast of the Kutch district.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his pride in establishing the national-level border security training center in Okha, attributing it to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This academy will ensure continuous coastal security under one umbrella. Amit Shah emphasized the connection between border security and development, noting that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country’s borders have become more secure and the nation has grown stronger, resulting in overall development.

Citing recent instances of successful drug seizures, such as the Rs. 12,000 crore seizure in Kerala, Shah highlighted the improved security measures at the country’s sea borders. He emphasized the joint efforts of the Coast Guard, Navy, Coast Guard, and fishermen in enhancing coastal security through the ‘Coastal Security Policy’, an initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Home Minister praised the welfare measures taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the security personnel and their families, including increased facilities and modern equipment for their protection. He commended the gallantry of the BSF jawans and acknowledged the vastness of the country’s boundaries, particularly the over seven-thousand-kilometer-long sea boundary that encompasses villages, islands, and industrial zones, emphasizing the need for robust protection.

Expressing his appreciation for the BSF personnel involved in setting up the academy, Amit Shah expressed his delight at laying the foundation stone near Lord Krishna’s Dwarka city. The national-level Coast Guard Police Academy, to be established between Dwarka and Okha, will provide training to 3,000 personnel annually. The Home Minister expressed confidence in strengthening maritime boundaries in the future.

During the event, a video was presented showcasing the OP Tower and Outposts constructed at a cost of 56 crores in the Kutch Creek area.

BSF Director General Dr. Sujoylal Thausen delivered a welcome speech and provided insights into the functioning of the BSF. He mentioned that the National Academy of Coastal Policing (NACP) has been established to provide intensive and high-level training to Coastal Police and Central Police Forces in nine coastal states and five union territories. The Government of India has sanctioned Rs. 441 crores to develop the NACP with modern infrastructure, advanced technology, and state-of-the-art training facilities, significantly enhancing coastal border security.

Several dignitaries including MP Poonamben Madam, MLA Pabubha Manek, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, BSF DG Dr. Sujoy Lal Thausen, ADG P. V. Rama Shastri, IG Ravi Gandhi, Resident Additional Collector Bhupesh Jotania, Range IG Ashok Kumar Yadav, and Superintendent of Police Nitesh Pandey were present at the event.