The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has strengthened its preparedness for marine pollution emergencies by successfully conducting a two-day Area Level Pollution Response Exercise-25 at Porbandar on 26–27 October 2026.
The exercise was organised by Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 1 (South Gujarat, Daman & Diu) under the aegis of Coast Guard Region (North West), bringing together key maritime and environmental stakeholders to enhance coordinated responses to potential oil spills and marine pollution incidents.
Shri Sagar Modi, Mayor of Porbandar Municipal Corporation, attended the concluding programme on 27 October as the Chief Guest.
Designed around realistic pollution scenarios, the exercise involved Indian Coast Guard surface assets and demonstrated the force’s operational capabilities in responding to marine environmental emergencies. Practical drills showcased the effective deployment of containment booms and oil skimmers, essential equipment used to contain and recover oil spills at sea.
The exercise also witnessed participation from major regional stakeholders, including the Gujarat Maritime Board, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), ESSO-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), and National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR).
Strategic planning sessions and practical demonstrations provided an important platform for strengthening inter-agency coordination, improving operational preparedness and developing more effective joint response mechanisms to protect Gujarat’s ecologically sensitive coastline.
As the designated national authority for oil spill response, the Indian Coast Guard plays a pivotal role in marine environmental protection under the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).
Through regular pollution response exercises and coordinated engagement with maritime stakeholders, the Coast Guard continues to reinforce India’s preparedness against marine pollution threats while protecting coastal ecosystems, maritime resources and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
The Porbandar exercise reaffirmed the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to environmental stewardship and maritime safety, in keeping with its motto: “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect).
