Joint coastal security exercise begins off Gujarat coast

The second joint coastal security exercise 'Sagar Kavach', conducted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) along with the Indian Navy and the coastal police began off Gujarat and Daman and Diu coast today, officials of the ICG said.
       
The two-day joint exercise in coastal areas of Gujarat, Daman and Diu, would focus on synergy in operations, both over sea and land to test efficiency and validation of standard operating procedure, they said.
       
According to the ICG officials, various mock drills and situations would be created to test the joint response of the security forces against offensive actions spread over the sea and land.
       
The exercise would involve the Indian Navy, Coastal Police and other central and state agencies, they said.
       
ICG officials further said that the joint effort put in by all stake holders would strengthen the surveillance, detection and identifications of enemy forces, communication network and security measures.
       
The lesson learnt during the exercise would be analysed to improve coastal security system, they added.
       
The first exercise of the 'Sagar Kavach' was conducted jointly by the ICG, Navy and other agencies in October 2009 in the Arabian sea.