Indian Coast Guard Day is celebrated on 1st February every year
Indian Coast Guard Day is celebrated on 1st February every year, it is the foundation day for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is an armed force of India different from the Indian Navy it protects maritime interests and enforces maritime law. Indian Coast Guard is the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, it has played a significant role in securing the Indian Coasts and enforcing the regulations within the Maritime Zones of India. The ICG has saved over 10,000 lives since its establishment.
released on 01 Feb 1985 to mark Coast Guard day at Mumbai
History of Indian Coast Guard:
The Indian Coast Guard establishment was first proposed by the Indian Navy to provide non-military maritime services to the nation.
In the 1960s, smuggling of goods was threatening India’s domestic economy and the Customs Department frequently called upon the Indian Navy for assistance with patrol and interception in the anti-smuggling effort.
In August 1971, the Nagchaudhuri Committee identified the requirement to patrol India’s vast coastline, set up a registry of offshore fishing vessels and establish a capable and well-equipped force to intercept vessels engaged in illegal activities.
The panel too looked at the number and nature of the equipment, infrastructure and personnel required to provide those services.
The Indian Navy sensed that the law enforcement nature of these duties diverged from its core mission as military service. Admiral Sourendra Nath Kohli, then Chief of Naval Staff, made a recommendation to the Defence Secretary outlining the need for a separate maritime service to undertake those duties and offering the Navy’s assistance in its establishment.
On August 31, 1974, the Defence Secretary submitted a note to the Cabinet Secretary proposing cabinet action on Admiral Kohli’s recommendation.
Rustamji Committee was also formed in 1974. The committee proposed the establishment of the Indian Coast Guard to prevent security breaches, smuggling, and patrol the coastline. However, bureaucratic issues delayed the establishment of the coast guard.
Hence, in 1977 an interim Indian Coast Guard was established.
The first success of the ICG was in 1999 when it recaptured a Panamanian-registered Japanese cargo ship, which was spotted near Kochi, heading towards Pakistan. The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy apprehended the ship.
The Indian Coast Guard conducts exercises with the other coast guards of the world.
After the Mumbai attacks in the year 2008, the Indian Government initiated a programme to expand the ICG force, assets and infrastructure.
The Indian Coast Guard has 156 ships and 62 aircraft in its organisation. It has 5 air stations, 10 air enclaves, and 42 coastline stations. The force aims to have 200 ships and 100 twin-engined aircraft by 2023 in its fleet.
Motto:
The motto of the ICG is “Vayam Rakshamah” or “We Protect”.
released in New Delhi on 01 Feb 2007 to celebrate 30th Anniversary of Coast Guard
Mission:
Indian Coast Guard mission is offshore security, marine safety and coastal security. It has also been given the task of securing India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Coast Guard is also tasked with national defence, in times of war.
Safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore terminals and other installations.
Protection and assistance to fishermen and mariners at sea.
Protection and preservation of marine ecology and environment.
Scientific data collection and support.
Mission of the Indian Coast Guard:
The mission of the Indian Coast Guard is offshore security, marine safety and coastal security. It has also been given the task of securing India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The ICG is responsible for protection of the marine environment and providing scientific assistance, according to its official website. The Coast Guard is also tasked with national defence, in times of war.
Indian Navy vs Indian Coast Guard
Indian Coast Guard is different from the Indian Navy which has the same base. The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces. The primary objective of the navy is to safeguard the nation’s maritime borders, and in conjunction with other Armed Forces of the union, act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people, or maritime interests of India, both in war and peace.
While the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) protects India’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone. The Coast Guard works in close cooperation with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Revenue (Customs), and the Central and State police forces.
