Mumbai: Beaches to remain closed for visitors as naval officers conduct 'sea vigil'

Mumbai Police personnel keep vigil at Dadar beach | Pic: Shadab Khan

Mumbai beaches will remain closed for visitors on January 12 and 13 as the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard are conducting a 'Sea Vigil' exercise called 'Sagar Kawach'.

The second edition of sea vigil (the first edition was conducted in 2019) that started on Tuesday will check the efficacy of safety measures put in place after the 26/11 attacks when terrorists entered the city via sea route.

Capt. Ajay Yadav, commanding coastal defense officer of Western Naval Command Headquarters said that this two-day exercise will cover the country's 13 coastal states and Union Territories.

"The exercise aims to assess India's maritime security and coastal defence preparedness. It will give a realistic assessment of our strengths and weaknesses, and will help in strengthening our national security," the Indian Navy said in an official statement.

Capt. Yadav added that that all aspects related to the strengthening of coastal security in the country will be reviewed through it.

The security exercise is being facilitated by the ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Shipping, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Fisheries, Customs, state governments and other central and state agencies.