The Indian Coast Guard initiated the two-day National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) in Vadinar, Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat, with the exercise set to conclude on Saturday. This marks the 9th edition of the exercise, conducted in accordance with the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP). The exercise plays a crucial role in testing various aspects of marine pollution response mechanisms and evaluating the preparedness of resource agencies to address potential marine spill incidents, as stated by a Coast Guard official.

Director General Rakesh Pal, along with senior officers, is actively participating in the National Level Pollution Response Exercise-IX (NATPOLREX-IX), alongside other key stakeholders responsible for combating sea pollution. This two-day exercise, currently underway at Vadinar in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat, is a comprehensive evaluation of marine pollution response capabilities.

In a parallel initiative, the Indian Coast Guard conducted a two-day Coastal Security exercise named Sagar Kavach from November 21-23. Focused on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this exercise aimed to assess and enhance the preparedness and response mechanisms of all stakeholders involved in the coastal security framework. The exercises collectively contribute to bolstering India's maritime security and environmental protection efforts.

The Indian Coast Guard successfully executed the eighth edition of the National Level Pollution Response Exercise, designated NATPOLREX-VIII, held off Mormugao Harbour, Goa, on April 19-20, 2022.

More than 85 participants representing 50 agencies actively took part in the eighth edition of the National Level Pollution Response Exercise, known as NATPOLREX-VIII, conducted off Mormugao Harbour, Goa, on April 19-20, 2022. The event saw the engagement of 29 foreign observers from 22 friendly foreign countries and international organizations. Additionally, two Coast Guard ships from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh participated in the exercise, emphasizing the collaborative and international nature of the pollution response initiative.

As seen in the recent editions, these exercises provide a platform for testing and refining strategies, ultimately contributing to the safeguarding of India's coastal and marine environments. The Coast Guard's commitment to continuous evaluation and improvement through such exercises underscores its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of environmental protection and response preparedness.

Image source: Hindustan Times