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Source: The post is based on the article “9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) conducted by Indian Coast Guard” published in “PIB” on 26th November 2023
Why in the News?
The 9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard off Vadinar, Gujarat.
What is Exercise NATPOLREX?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it | It is a marine oil spill preparedness exercise. |
| Conducted by | Indian Coast Guard (ICG) |
| Objectives | 1) To test the level of preparedness and coordination between various resource agencies to respond to a marine oil spill. 2) To implement the guidelines as contained in the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) |
What is the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP)?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it | It outlines the steps required for the management of responses to marine oil spills |
| Promulgated in | 1996 (and updated in 2014) |
| Prepared by | Indian Coast Guard (ICG) |
| Nodal Authority | National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs. |
| Objectives of the plan | 1) To establish an effective system for detection and reporting of oil spills; 2) To establish adequate measures for preparedness for oil and chemical pollution; 3) To facilitate rapid and effective response to oil pollution; 4) To establish record-keeping procedures to facilitate recovery of costs; 5) To maintain the evidence for the purpose of identifying the polluter and taking suitable administrative, civil or criminal action against the polluter. |
What is the role of ICG in oil spills?
1) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) functions as the Central Coordinating Authority for response to Oil spills in Indian waters.
2) ICG formulated the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) which is the apex plan for responding to oil spill disasters in Indian waters.
3) At present, it operates three Pollution Response Vessels also known as Pollution Control Vessels – ICGS Samudra Prahari, ICGS Samudra Paheredar and ICGS Samudra Pavak. These vessels are fitted with specific equipment to deal with chemical and oil spills at sea.
4) It has also established four Pollution Response Centers at Mumbai, Chennai, Port Blair and Vadinar.
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