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Vadinar, Gujarat : The Indian Coast Guard executed the 9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) on November 25, 2023, off Vadinar, Gujarat. Directed by DG Rakesh Pal, Director General Indian Coast Guard, and the Chairman NOSDCP, the exercise assessed the readiness of various agencies. Representatives from central and coastal state governments, ministries, ports, oil handling agencies, and international observers actively participated.
Key Highlights:
1. Objective Achieved:
NATPOLREX-IX successfully tested the preparedness and coordination of multiple agencies in responding to a marine oil spill, activating the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).
2. Participants:
Over 31 foreign observers and 80 delegates joined representatives from ministries, departments, ports, and stakeholders in the exercise.
3. Resource Deployment:
Indian Coast Guard utilized surface and air platforms, including Pollution Response Vessels (PRVs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III, and Dornier Aircraft configured for marine pollution response.
4. ‘Make in India’ Showcase:
The event highlighted India’s industrial capabilities with a focus on ‘Make in India,’ aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’
5. Oil Spill Contingency Plan:
Indian Coast Guard, responsible for marine environmental protection since 1986, showcased the effectiveness of the NOSDCP, approved in 1993. Pollution Response Centers are established in Mumbai, Chennai, Port Blair, and Vadinar.
6. National Preparedness:
With 75% of India’s energy supplied through imported oil transported by sea, a robust oil spill response system is crucial. The Indian Coast Guard serves as the central coordinating authority for oil spill responses in Indian waters.
