Key Points

New Delhi [India], October 6 (ANI): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 10th edition of the National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-X) alongside the 27th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) & Preparedness Meeting on October 5 and 6, 2025, off the coast of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

This biennial flagship exercise is a cornerstone in strengthening India's preparedness to combat marine oil spills in accordance with the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).

The event was overseen by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard and Chairperson of the NOSDCP, who reviewed the exercise and assessed the operational readiness, response coordination, and inter-agency synergy among participating stakeholders.

The large-scale exercise witnessed enthusiastic participation from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including representatives from central ministries, coastal state governments, major ports, oil handling agencies, and maritime organisations. Notably, 40 foreign observers from 32 countries and over 105 national delegates attended the exercise and actively contributed to discussions at the 27th NOSDCP meeting, which was held concurrently.

The technical sessions of NATPOLREX-X featured insightful presentations on topics of current relevance, including Nurdle Spills and their Environmental Impact, Case Studies on Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS), Post-Spill Monitoring & Environmental Impact Assessments, Shoreline Cleanup following MV MSC ELSA 3 Incident, ICG Coordination and Response during MV MSC ELSA 3 & MV Wan Mai 503 Incidents.

These sessions provided a knowledge-sharing platform for environmental scientists, policy makers, and operational experts to collaboratively discuss strategies for effective spill response and post-incident recovery.

The ICG deployed a full spectrum of assets to demonstrate its oil spill response capabilities, including Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), as well as Chetak and Dornier Aircraft configured for aerial surveillance and pollution response. The current exercise is unique in that it incorporates the first-ever shoreline clean-up drill at Marina Beach, conducted by the Greater Chennai Corporation, the State Pollution Control Board, the SDMA, the Police, and other agencies of the Tamil Nadu administration as part of the simulated incident.

These demonstrations validated the efficiency and readiness of the ICG's multi-layered pollution response mechanism, while also emphasising the importance of joint operations with ports and coastal authorities.

In line with the Prime Minister's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', NATPOLREX-X also showcased India's growing capabilities in maritime technology and industrial manufacturing under the 'Make in India' initiative. Stakeholders, such as major ports, have deployed indigenous maritime assets, highlighting a unified and homegrown approach to marine environmental protection.

The ICG has been entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the marine environment in India's maritime zones since March 7, 1986, following the transfer of responsibilities from the Ministry of Shipping. The National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP), drafted by the ICG and approved by the Committee of Secretaries in 1993, remains the foundational framework for oil spill preparedness in India. To operationalise the plan, the ICG has established four Pollution Response Centres at Mumbai, Chennai, Port Blair, and Vadinar.

Given that over 75% of India's energy needs are met through seaborne oil imports, ensuring a robust national oil spill response system is not only critical but also strategic. The ICG continues to serve as the Central Coordinating Authority for oil spill response, committed to ensuring rapid, effective, and coordinated action in the event of any maritime environmental incident.

NATPOLREX-X has reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment to preserving the marine ecosystem. It has further strengthened national and international collaboration in pollution response preparedness, setting new benchmarks for inter-agency coordination, technological integration, and environmental stewardship.

- ANI