Bhubaneswar: Odisha police have decided to set up an advanced coastal surveillance system to strengthen maritime security in the state. Official sources said the initiative assumes significance given Odisha’s long and strategically important coastline, which hosts fishing harbours, fish landing centres, ports, tourist destinations and ecologically sensitive zones.“These locations remain vulnerable to challenges such as illegal fishing, smuggling, human trafficking, unauthorised maritime movement, environmental violations and disaster-related emergencies. To address these threats, we are planning to establish a Unified Coastal Surveillance Network (UCSN),” a senior police officer told TOI.The proposed UCSN will comprise a central command-and-control mechanism supported by coastal surveillance sub-control centres at marine police stations and other strategic locations. These facilities will be integrated with the existing unified command and control centre in Bhubaneswar for real-time monitoring and operational coordination.Official sources said the surveillance architecture is expected to significantly enhance maritime domain awareness, facilitate proactive coastal policing, improve inter-agency coordination and enable swift operational response to emerging threats.Under the plan, fixed surveillance cameras will be installed at designated coastal locations to provide continuous monitoring and coverage of vulnerable stretches.The existing command-and-control centre will also be upgraded to serve as the nerve centre for real-time surveillance of coastal activities, intelligence analysis, coordination of marine and beach patrols, and rapid response operations.“The upgraded facility will be linked with all marine police stations across coastal districts, ensuring seamless information flow, enhanced situational awareness and more effective command and control during security operations,” another official said.Police are also considering the creation of a technical assistance and support unit to provide specialised naval and maritime expertise to the coastal security wing. “The objective is to create a robust, technology-driven and coordinated maritime security framework,” the official added.As part of the project, consultants will assess the existing coastal security infrastructure, including marine police stations, operational centres, outposts, jetties, boat maintenance facilities and control rooms. Detailed vulnerability and risk assessments will also be carried out at critical coastal locations, fishing harbours, fish landing centres, ports and other strategic assets.