Bhubaneswar: Odisha police are likely to launch drone surveillance along the state’s 480-km coastline on Sunday as part of their broader strategy to fortify the coastal securitysystems in light of the border tensions with Pakistan. Police authorities have initiated community policing among fishing communities to bolster intelligence gathering and increase the strength of ex-navy personnel serving in the coastal security wing.“Our maiden aerial monitoring system that is currently undergoing testing and installation procedures will be launched shortly to counter possible sea-borne threats. We have acquired sufficient drones,” DGP Y B Khurania told TOI on Saturday.According to the DGP, the drones will act as a force multiplier. The drones, featuring high-resolution cameras and sophisticated sensors, is currently in its final testing phase and may be launched on Sunday, police sources said. These devices are equipped with night vision capabilities and can operate in adverse weather conditions, providing round-the-clock surveillance in coastal areas.”The new drone system will significantly enhance our ability to monitorsuspicious activitiesalong the coastline. This technology will complement our existing coastal security infrastructure and help us respond more effectively to potential threats,” said Khurania.The drones will be strategically deployed across various coastal districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri and Ganjam. Control centres are being established at key locations to manage the drone operations and analyse the surveillance data in real-time.The drones will particularly focus on monitoring sensitive areas and potential infiltration points along the coastline.Maritime security experts welcome this development, noting its importance in strengthening the coastal defence mechanism. “With increasing maritime challenges, such technological upgrades are crucial for protecting our coastline,” said P K Sharma, a retired navy functionary.ADG (coastal security) Arun Bothra said, “Adding teeth to our coastal security, we have increased the sanctioned strength of ex-navy personnel in our wing. Some more ex-navy staff are expected to join us within the next few days.”During a review of the state’s emergency preparedness from seafront, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday directed the state police to raise the security protocols and vigilance along the vulnerable coastline.”We have kept all our 18 marine police stations on alert. Our 15 high power interceptor boats have been conducting regular patrolling. Our personnel are working in close collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard and Navy, strengthening intelligence sharing and surveillance,” said Khurania, who convened a virtual meeting with them on Saturday.DGP said police have intensified community policing efforts among the marine fishermen. According to cops, marine fishermen play a vital role in detecting infiltrators and suspicious vessels. Police presence has increased at around 75 fish landing centres along the coast. Police have sensitised fishermen, who have been designated as special police officers (SPOs) to report any suspicious activities immediately.