Bhubaneswar: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully conducted a large-scale maritime and aeronautical search and rescue workshop and sea exercise at Paradip on November 14–15. This regional-level exercise, organised by the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North East) and coordinated by the Commander Coast Guard (Odisha), involved integrated participation from various Odisha-based agencies, reinforcing collaborative readiness for emergencies at sea.
The two-day workshop brought together the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), district administration officials, Paradip Port authorities, Customs, the Indian Navy, Marine Police, Odisha Police, CISF, Fisheries and Forest departments and district medical teams. These agencies worked together to validate SAR protocols, operational procedures and real-time coordination mechanisms essential for maritime safety.
During the tabletop sessions, participants simulated various emergency scenarios to review inter-agency responsibilities. The subsequent sea drill showcased near real-time mass rescue operations, medical triage and aeronautical-marine coordination. Coast Guard vessels demonstrated complex rescue manoeuvres, while the Indian Air Force exhibited its aerial search capabilities.
The drill aimed to illustrate how integrated forces manage maritime crises, including vessel distress, air mishaps, illegal activities and accidental boundary crossings. The exercise also focused on enhancing response readiness for challenges such as smuggling attempts, infiltration incidents and emergencies involving fishermen who inadvertently cross international maritime boundaries.
Adding clarity to the objective of the drill, Inspector General (North East) Iqbal Singh Chauhan stated, “We conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) and Sea Exercises annually to validate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and improve coordination with other agencies. We also involve aircraft during the Sea Exercise, including the deployment of life rafts”. He further elaborated, “This exercise simulated a mass evacuation in the event of an aircraft accident. We involved aircraft, the Marine Police and the Port authorities to ensure effective coordination during the rescue and evacuation operations”. Inspector General Chauhan also emphasised the ICG’s expanding role along Odisha’s 480-km coastline, announcing plans to significantly increase its presence in the state over the next four to five years.
Paradip currently hosts the only major Coast Guard operational base at a public-sector port in Odisha. Chauhan mentioned that proposals have been submitted to the state government for developing dedicated jetties at Paradip, Gopalpur and Dhamra. For the first time, an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) will be stationed at Gopalpur Port, enhancing surveillance across the southern stretch of the state’s coastline.
In a significant infrastructure upgrade, the Coast Guard has also proposed establishing a specialised Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) station at Dhamra Port, aimed at enhancing round-the-clock aerial surveillance and rapid response capability. These proposals were recently presented to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who has reportedly assured full support for space and infrastructure as Odisha’s maritime development accelerates.
Established in 1977, the Indian Coast Guard now manages a vast SAR responsibility area with a fleet of 157 ships and 78 aircraft. Its motto, “Vayam Rakshamah” — We Protect — reflects its commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime interests, including coastal security, anti-smuggling operations, environmental protection and the safety of life at sea.
The Paradip exercise also served as a public awareness initiative ahead of the 49th Indian Coast Guard Day on February 1, reinforcing the force’s role in protecting India’s coastline across nine states and key Union Territories including Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry.
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