Context: 

Indian Coast Guard celebrated its 48th Raising Day in New Delhi on 1st February.

48th Raising Day Of Indian Coast Guard

• Targeted force level: Indian Coast Guard, with 152 ships and 78 aircraft in its arsenal, is on track to achieve its targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030.
  • Example: Offshore  Patrol Vessels: (VIKRAM CLASS)- VIGRAHA, VIKRAM, VIJAYA and Aircrafts: Fixed Wing (Dornier 228), Rotary Wing (Chetak), Rotary Wing Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

Indian Coast Guard – Roles

• Safety and Protection of Artificial Islands and Offshore Terminals: Regular patrols are undertaken  to keep the Offshore Development Areas (ODAs),under surveillance.
• Protection of Fishermen: They conduct regular Community Interaction Programmes for fishermen to apprise them about  maritime security related aspects and safety measures to be adopted at sea.
• Search and Rescue: The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCCs) coordinate the Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts undertaken by Indian Coast Guard units in liaison with the concerned state government departments.
• Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution: The Indian Coast Guard conducts regular training for all stakeholders and oil agencies, and continuously validates various contingency plans to prevent environmental damage in case of marine oil-spills. 
  • It has developed the capability to be the “first-responder” for oil-spills in Indian waters.
• Anti Smuggling operations: They coordinate with the Customs and other enforcement agencies and undertake operations to prevent ingress and egress of contraband, and other items on the banned list.
• Enforcement of Maritime Laws in Force: ICG ships and aircraft undertake regular patrols to enforce maritime laws, and other regulations and international treaties to which India is a signatory.
  • This has resulted in the seizure of weapons, contraband, and narcotics worth 15 thousand 343 crore rupees since its inception, with 478 crore rupees seized in 2023 alone.
• Safety of Life and Property at Sea: ICG ships and aircraft operations mitigate the effect of maritime accidents, and help in ensuring safety and security from natural or man-made disasters.
• Facilitate Scientific enquiry: ICG ships collect relevant information regarding meteorological and oceanographic data for analysis and use by the scientific fraternity.

Also Read: The Challenge Of Maritime Security In The Global South

News Source: News on Air

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