Paradip, Sept 25: In order to provide security to the 450 km long coastline of Odisha, Sagar Kavach-02 was launched at Paradip on Wednesday morning. 

The main objective of the exercise is to protect the waterways and counter terrorist attacks. 

After the 26 / 11 Mumbai attacks, joint exercises are being started in coastal ports and cities in the country. As many as 18 departments, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard,  CISF, Marine Police, Intelligence Department, Fisheries Department, Forest Department, and Customs Department, are involved in the exercise, which is undertaken twice every year. 

Keeping coordination among the departments is stressed so that any possible terrorist or other threat can be combated efficiently. 

Various departments of Odisha and West Bengal are involved in this exercise.