IT Correspondent
Mumbai, Feb. 2:
As part of its readiness plan, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), recently concluded a maiden contract for acquisition of 10 Multicopter drones in consonance with Government of India policy of embracing drone technology, capable of being launched from both ships and shore stations.
Equipments
The ICG which celebrated its 47 th Raising Day on Wednesday, is focused on updating its existing capabilities. To overcome the obsolescence in Dorniers, a contract has been signed for Mid-life upgrade of 17 Aircraft with state-of-the-art system/sensors. Procurement of additional 100 drones by 2025, Multi Mission Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MMMA) and Twin Engine Helicopters (TEHH) are also envisaged to bolster the operational capability of the Indian Coast Guard, official sources here said.
The ICG is also in the process of modernizing its airfields under the “Modernization of Air Field Infrastructure (MAFI)” project with installation and commissioning of modern airfield equipment like Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range (DVOR), High Power Distance Measuring Equipment (HP-DME) and Air Traffic Management System (ATMS). This up-gradation of navigation aids and infrastructure would enhance the operational capability of air operations even in poor visibility and adverse weather conditions, whilst enhancing aero safety, the officials stated.
Under Government’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”(Self reliant India) initiative, the ICG acquired 06 ships built from Indian Shipyards and 04 Air Squadrons (16 ALHs) built by M/s HAL. Further, 21 ships (including 02 Pollution Control vessels) are under construction at 03 shipyards. They will be ICG’s frontline ships for combating marine pollution.
In keeping with the nation’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and “Neighbourhood First”, the Indian Coast Guard imparted training to several officers and personnel below officer ranks from friendly foreign Countries in 2022.
On the marine environment protection front, the ICG, the Central Coordinating Authority for oil spill response in Indian EEZ, ensured that there were no major oil spill incidences in Indian waters throughout 2022. Besides, it undertook active pollution response preventive measures to prevent the spill risks during grounding of “MV Princess Miral” off New Mangalore (Karnataka), “MT Global King-1” off Porbandar (Gujarat) and “MT Parth” off Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) in the last one year.
Besides, a National Level Pollution response Exercise (NATPOLREX-VIII) was conducted off Goa in April 2022 in which 13 CG Ships, 09 Aircraft, two foreign Coast Guard Ships participated. The exercise witnessed by observers from 19 countries showcased ICG capability to respond to any major oil and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spill in Indian EEZ and to extend support to friendly countries in case of any contingency.
Achievements
True to its motto “Vayam Rakshamah” (“We Protect”), the ICG has saved over 11,881 lives since its inception in 1977. These include 279 lives saved in 2022. Besides, its institutionalized mechanism of sharing information with littoral countries, led to seizure of drugs and contraband worth Rs.3260 crore in three different operations.
In addition, its vigilance resulted into seizure of weapons and narcotics worth Rs. 2924 crore. The apprehension of Pak Boat “Al Soheli” with about 40 kg of Narcotics along with 06 pistols, 12 magazines and 120 live rounds in Okha (Gujarat) is a telling examples of ICG’s robust detection and response mechanism.
Steady Growth
From a modest beginning with just 07 surface platforms in 1978, ICG has grown into a formidable force with 158 ships and 78 aircraft and is likely to achieve targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 80 aircraft by 2025.
On the occasion of its 47 th Raising Day, the President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister extended greetings and congratulated the ICG on completion of 46 glorious years of yeoman service to the nation.
