Focus: GS III: Security Challenges
Why in News?
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrated its 48th Raising Day on February 1, 2024, in New Delhi. The ceremony commemorates its remarkable journey from a modest beginning in 1977 to becoming a formidable force in maritime security.
About Indian Coast Guard:
- The Indian Coast Guard is a multi-mission organization, conducting round-the-year real-life operations at sea.
- It has a wide range of task capabilities for both surface and air operations.
Functions of ICG:
- To protect our ocean and offshore wealth including oil, fish and minerals
- To assist mariners in distress and safeguard life and property at sea
- To enforce maritime laws with respect to sea, poaching, smuggling and narcotics
- To preserve marine environment and ecology and protect rare species
- To collect scientific data and back-up the Navy during war
- For effective command and control, the Maritime Zones of India are divided into five Coast Guard Regions, namely, North-West, West, East, North-East and Andaman & Nicobar, with the respective Regional Headquarters located at Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Port Blair.
Achievements of ICG:
- Under the motto “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect), the ICG has saved over 11,554 lives since its inception, including 200 lives in the year 2023.
- Maintaining a 24×7 vigil in the Maritime Zones of India, the ICG deploys multiple ships and aircraft daily, contributing to the nation’s goal of ensuring free and secure seas for sustainable progress in the blue economy and safe maritime transportation.
- In response to the evolving challenges in maritime security, the ICG has significantly strengthened Maritime Law Enforcement, resulting in the seizure of weapons, contraband, and narcotics worth many crores.
- Pioneering the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ missions, the ICG has inducted numerous indigenous ships, aircraft, and equipment.
- In a strategic move towards a ‘Digital Armed Force,’ the Ministry of Defence and TCIL have entered into a transformative agreement for the Digital Coast Guard (DCG) mission, aligning with the government’s vision for a paperless office.
- On the marine environmental front, the ICG, as the Central Coordinating Authority for Oil Spill response in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), has ensured no major oil spill incidents in Indian waters in the past year.
- The ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar,’ and ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ campaigns, garnered mass participation of volunteers.
