Indian Coast Guard conducts regional-level pollution response exercise off Mumbai

The Indian Coast Guard acts as the central coordinating authority for oil spill prevention and response in Indian waters. Pic/Defence PRO

The Indian Coast Guard conducted a Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise (RPREX-25) off the coast of Mumbai on Friday to test and validate the preparedness of stakeholders in combating oil spills at sea.

With increasing maritime trade in the Indian Ocean region, the threat of marine pollution remains a significant concern. Oil spills pose severe environmental risks, especially if the oil reaches the shore. Effective response requires coordination among multiple agencies along India's vast coastline. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) acts as the central coordinating authority for oil spill prevention and response in Indian waters.

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The exercise followed an Initial Planning Conference (IPC) held on December 18, which included presentations, lectures, and a tabletop exercise involving various stakeholders. The sea exercise simulated a scenario where a motor tanker collided with a fishing boat, causing a large oil spill.

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To tackle the simulated spill, a specialised ICG Pollution Control Vessel, along with two additional ICG ships, were deployed. The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) also deployed their OSR vessels and other assets. The exercise witnessed participation from multiple stakeholders, including the fisheries department, forest department (mangrove cell), coastal police, JSW Port, Angre Port, CISF, and oil handling agencies.

RPREX-25 successfully tested the efficiency and coordination of pollution response capabilities across agencies, ensuring a robust mechanism is in place to manage marine pollution incidents in Indian waters.