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Key Points

The Indian Coast Guard just kicked off its major pollution response exercise off the Chennai coast. They're bringing together over 100 national delegates and 40 international observers to test India's oil spill readiness. During the event, they recognized ONGC and New Mangalore Port for their environmental protection efforts. This biennial exercise aims to set new standards for maritime environmental stewardship and inter-agency coordination.

Key Points: Indian Coast Guard Launches NATPOLREX-X Exercise Off Chennai

  • Over 100 national delegates from ministries and oil-handling organizations attended the conference
  • International observers participated to share global best practices for oil spill response
  • ONGC and New Mangalore Port won environmental protection trophies for contributions
  • ICG deploying ships and aircraft configured for maritime pollution control drills
  • Multi-day exercise testing inter-agency coordination under NOSDCP framework
  • Establishing benchmarks in operational readiness and technological integration
2 min read

Indian Coast Guard hosts 27th NOSDCP meet, launches 10th NATPOLREX Exercise off Chennai

ICG hosts 27th NOSDCP meet and launches 10th NATPOLREX exercise with 100+ delegates and 40 international observers to strengthen oil spill response capabilities.

"The exercise aims to test and strengthen India's national preparedness against marine oil spill incidents - Official Release"

Chennai, October 5

Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, Chairperson of the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) and Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), inaugurated the 27th NOSDCP meeting in Chennai on Sunday.

The meeting brought together over 100 national delegates representing ministries, central and state agencies, ports, and oil-handling organisations, along with 40 international observers. The session focused on enhancing oil spill response readiness through improved inter-agency coordination and the adoption of global best practices, according to an official release.

As part of the proceedings, the "Samudri Paryavaran Sanrakshan Trophy" was awarded to the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), while the "Tel Udyog Samudri Paryavaran Sanrakshan Trophy" went to ONGC (Western Offshore) for exemplary contributions towards environmental protection.

Coinciding with the conference, the ICG commenced the 10th edition of its biennial National Level Pollution Response Exercise, NATPOLREX-X, off the coast of Chennai. Scheduled from October 5-6, 2025, the flagship drill aims to test and strengthen India's national preparedness against marine oil spill incidents, while assessing inter-agency coordination under the NOSDCP framework.

During the exercise, the ICG will deploy a wide range of pollution response assets, including ships and aircraft specially configured for maritime pollution control. The drills will showcase the multi-tiered response strategy of the ICG and highlight operational cooperation between national stakeholders and international partners.

NATPOLREX-X 2025 is expected to reaffirm India's commitment to marine environmental protection, aligned with the nation's vision of sustainable development and ecological responsibility. The exercise is set to establish new benchmarks in operational readiness, technological integration, and collaborative maritime environmental stewardship.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
As someone from Chennai, I'm proud to see such important environmental exercises happening in our city. The Bay of Bengal is precious and we must protect it from oil spills. Good to see international participation too!
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Sarah B
While this is commendable, I hope the government ensures that these exercises translate into real-world effectiveness. We've seen oil spills cause massive damage to fishing communities in the past. Implementation matters more than just conducting exercises.
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Arjun K
Excellent work by ICG! The Samudri Paryavaran Sanrakshan Trophy is a good way to recognize organizations doing their bit for environment. More industries should take environmental protection seriously. Jai Hind! 🙏
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Michael C
India's commitment to marine protection is impressive. The multi-agency coordination and international cooperation shows we're serious about environmental stewardship. This sets a good example for other coastal nations in the region.
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Nisha Z
As a marine biology student, I appreciate these efforts. Oil spills can devastate marine life for decades. Hope they involve local fishing communities in awareness programs too - they are the first responders in many cases.

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