Celebrating its 46th Raising Day on 1st February 2022, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) marks an important milestone in its history of service. Established in August 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, this independent armed force has grown to be the fourth largest Coast Guard worldwide. ICG plays a crucial part in securing the Indian coasts and enforcing maritime zone regulations.
The Genesis and Structure of Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
The formation of ICG took shape after the 1971 war, stemming from the visionary blueprint for a multidimensional Coast Guard laid out by the Rustamji Committee. As an Armed Force, Search and Rescue, and Maritime Law Enforcement agency, it falls under the purview of the Ministry of Defence with its headquarters situated in New Delhi.
For effective command and control, India’s Maritime Zones are divided into five Coast Guard Regions – North-West, West, East, North-East, and Andaman & Nicobar. Their respective Regional Headquarters are located at Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Port Blair.
Key Functions and Responsibilities of ICG
Preventing smuggling through maritime routes is one of the ICG’s primary duties. The ICG has jurisdiction over the territorial waters, including contiguous zones and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India. It is also tasked with the protection of the marine environment within the maritime zones of India and coordinates responses to oil spills in Indian waters.
Aid to Civil Authority
The ICG has demonstrated its commitment to civil aid by rescuing approximately 13,000 personnel during various operations. These include assistance provided to civil authorities during natural calamities such as floods and cyclones, with the most recent operations being conducted during the floods in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa.
The ICG also collaborates closely with Central and State agencies to establish a robust coastal security mechanism.
Maritime Security
Taking a proactive role in combatting transnational maritime crimes and enhancing maritime safety, the ICG collaborates with littoral countries within its area of responsibility and in the Indian Ocean Region. Under the ‘SAGAR’ – ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region’ and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the ICG has established professional relationships across oceans and ties with countries in the Indian Ocean Region for Ocean Peacekeeping.
Role in Disaster Management
The ICG has emerged as the ‘First Responder’ in the region, successfully averting major ecological disasters. A recent example is its undertaking of the major fire-fighting and pollution response operation off the Sri Lanka coast, specifically during the ‘Sagar Aaraksha-II’ onboard Chemical carrier MV X-Press Pearl.