Ahmedabad: To further strengthen maritime security along Gujarat’s over 2,300-km-long sensitive coastline, authorities on Tuesday launched a two-day special security exercise titled “Operation Sagar Suraksha Kavach.” The coordinated operation is being carried out across all coastal districts, from Kutch to Valsad, with intensified checks, mock drills, and joint patrolling by multiple agencies.

Under the operation, security personnel are conducting rigorous inspections of fishing boats and coastal landing points to assess preparedness and enhance vigilance against potential threats. In Porbandar, checks were carried out at key landing points, including the Asmavati Ghat area, where boat documents and crew details were thoroughly verified.

According to officials, the most significant aspect of the operation is the close coordination among various security agencies. Personnel from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, Special Operations Group (SOG), and Customs are working jointly across coastal areas. More than 100 police personnel have been deployed in this first operation of the year.

The drill, conducted twice annually, aims to test operational readiness, strengthen inter-agency communication, ensure real-time intelligence sharing, and bolster response mechanisms to prevent infiltration, terrorism, or other maritime security threats. During the two-day operation, fishing boats entering and exiting coastal waters are being systematically checked by joint teams.

Authorities have also reiterated mandatory safety and compliance norms for all fishing vessels. Each boat must carry life jackets, a first-aid box, and other life-saving equipment, while transponders and distress alert transmitters must remain operational at all times. Fishermen are required to carry original valid identity cards, along with copies of online tokens, fishing licences, and boat registration certificates.

The Fisheries Department has issued an advisory to the fishing community, urging them to immediately report any suspicious activity, movement, or unidentified vessels at sea to the Coastal Security toll-free number 1093.

Officials said Operation Sagar Suraksha Kavach will conclude on Wednesday evening, following a comprehensive review of the security drills conducted across Gujarat’s strategically important coastline. DeshGujarat