The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, sets out for overseas deployment to ASEAN countries from September 11 to October 14, 2023. This initiative was disclosed during the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus meeting held in Cambodia in November 2022. Official visits are planned in Bangkok (Thailand), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Jakarta (Indonesia).
Exploring the Key Features of Samudra Prahari
Launched in Mumbai on October 9, 2010, the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari specialises in pollution response. Equipped with sophisticated pollution control gear, the vessel features containment tools including Hi-Sprint Booms and river booms. These are used to contain oil spills, along with oil recovery devices like skimmers and side sweeping arms. It also has storage facilities within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone.
A Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration is an integral part of the ship’s equipment. Additionally, this vessel has the capacity to carry out unmanned machinery operation.
The Dangerous Reality of Oil Spills
Oil spills typically refer to the accidental or intentional release of liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, most often marine areas. This is primarily caused by human activity. Though the term is commonly used in reference to marine oil spills, spills may also occur on land.
Samudra Prahari’s Overseas Exchange Program
As part of its international outreach, the ship has onboard 13 National Cadet Corps cadets who will participate in the “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan”. This program involves beach clean-ups and similar activities, carried out in collaboration with partner nations.
International Initiatives Addressing Marine Pollution
Several international protocols aim at reducing marine pollution. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982, mandates signatory states to develop legal measures for preventing, reducing and controlling marine environment pollution by dumping. India has ratified this convention.
Similarly, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) calls upon nations to prevent marine pollution from ships caused operationally or accidentally. London Convention and London Protocol are also aimed at protecting the marine environment from pollution by waste dumping. However, India is not a participant in either of these conventions.
The India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative
Under this initiative, India and Norway pledge to work together to foster clean and healthy oceans. They aim at sustainable exploitation of ocean resources and growth in the blue economy, sharing experiences and competencies.
Previous Year’s UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
These questions were asked in the previous years’ UPSC Civil Services Examination:
Prelims Q1. Consider the following countries: Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, USA. Which of these are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN? (2018)
– (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
– (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6
– (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5
– (d) 2, 3, 4 and 6
Answer: (c)
Prelims Q2. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (2016)
– (a) G20
– (b) ASEAN
– (c) SCO
– (d) SAARC
Answer: (b)
Mains Q. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (2016)
Mains Q. What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? (2023)