Coastal States on High Alert: Security Beefed Up Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

GG News Bureau
Bhubaneswar/Kolkata, 9th May: In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, security has been significantly heightened at key installations across the coastal states of Odisha and West Bengal, including major ports, a prominent temple, and strategic defence facilities.

In Odisha, the Paradip Port in Jagatsinghpur district has been placed on high alert. Security has been ramped up with additional forces deployed at major locations within the port premises. Authorities have restricted tourist access to certain areas, enhanced patrolling and surveillance, and are closely monitoring the movement of incoming vessels to prevent any security threats. Separately, a three-layer security system has been implemented at the Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur district.

Security has also been intensified in and around the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. Puri SP Vinit Agrawal confirmed the heightened measures, stating, “In the current situation, the security measures have been strengthened in Puri. The security system at the Jagannath Temple has also been intensified. Deployment has been intensified at all the doors in the temple. Patrolling has been increased and a QRT has been kept on standby as well. Anti-Sabotage checks are being conducted regularly at the temple.” Heavy deployment of security personnel has been arranged to ensure the safety of devotees and the temple premises. The intensified security follows a recent security audit by the National Security Guard (NSG) and includes various precautionary measures to strengthen surveillance and response systems.

Across the state, the Odisha government on Friday further tightened security in all key installations, specifically mentioning the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore district.

Neighbouring West Bengal is also on alert, with the Kolkata and Haldia ports under increased security. A statement from the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port (SMPK), which oversees both ports, confirmed the elevated security status. “As per directives from the Directorate General of Shipping, SMPK has raised its security level to 2,” the statement said. All personnel have been instructed to remain alert and vigilant, with directives to immediately report any suspicious activity within port premises and waterways to security personnel.

To ensure full operational readiness during this period, the SMPK statement added that all leave for employees, including contractual staff, has been cancelled from May 10 to May 14, 2025. Employees are required to remain at their headquarters, even during weekly off days. Pilots and dock pilots have been put on high alert and must be ready for emergency evacuation from Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), if necessary.