The Indian Coast Guard recently carried out ‘Operation Sajag,’ a comprehensive coastal security drill along the western coast. This operation involved multiple stakeholders, including Customs, Marine Police, Ports, and the Indian Navy, with a total of 118 ships participating. The exercise aimed to revalidate the coastal security mechanism and raise awareness among fishermen at sea. It included thorough document and crew pass checks for fishing boats and introduced biometric card readers for security agencies. The Indian Coast Guard, established in 1978, is responsible for safeguarding India’s maritime interests and enforcing maritime law within its territorial waters, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Territorial Waters: The area of coastal water extending up to 12 nautical miles from a nation’s baseline, where the country exercises full sovereignty.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): An area extending up to 200 nautical miles from a nation’s coast, where the country has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources.
- Coast Guard Act, 1978: Legislation that formally established the Indian Coast Guard as an independent armed force responsible for maritime security and law enforcement.
- Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG): The highest-ranking official in the Indian Coast Guard, responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations and functions.
- Marine Police: A specialized branch of law enforcement responsible for patrolling and enforcing laws in coastal and maritime areas, contributing to maritime security.