About The Operation Sajag

Context:

The Indian Coast Guard recently conducted ‘Operation Sajag,’ a Coastal Security Drill along the Western Coast.

Relevance:

GS III: Defence

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Operation Sajag
2. Key Facts about the Indian Coast Guard

Operation Sajag:

• Purpose: It is a coastal security drill conducted by the Indian Coast Guard along the west coast.
• Stakeholder Involvement: It includes all stakeholders of the Indian coastal security construct.
• Participating Ships: A total of 118 ships, including those from Customs, Marine Police, Ports, and the Indian Navy, participated in the drill.
• Objectives:
  • Facilitates the revalidation of the coastal security mechanism.
  • Raises awareness among fishermen at sea.
  • Involves extensive checking and verification of documents and crew passes of all fishing boats, barges, and craft at sea.
• Technological Advancements: Biometric card readers have been issued to security agencies.
• Additional Measures: The drill involves monitoring of dhows, island security, and community interaction programs as part of the coastal security construct.

Key Facts about the Indian Coast Guard:

• Role: It is an armed force responsible for protecting India’s maritime interests and enforcing maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
• Establishment: Formally established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 as an independent armed force of India.
• Ministry: It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
• Leadership: The organization is headed by the Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG).
• Headquarters: New Delhi.