The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) kicked off its 10th National Level Pollution Response Exercise, known as NATPOLREX‑X, on October 5 and 6, 2025, off Chennai’s coast in Tamil Nadu. The event ran alongside the 27th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) meeting and marked a key moment in India’s effort to fight marine oil spills.
Director General Paramesh Sivamani – also the chair of the NOSDCP – oversaw the two‑day drill. He praised the exercise’s focus on faster, coordinated action and on how well different agencies can work together when a spill occurs.
NATPOLREX‑X brought together a wide mix of participants. Representatives from central ministries, coastal state governments, major ports, oil‑handling firms, and maritime organisations took part. More than 105 national delegates and 40 foreign observers from 32 countries joined the event, sharing ideas and watching real‑time drills unfold.
During the technical sessions, experts discussed hot topics such as nurdle spills, hazardous and noxious substances, post‑spill monitoring, and shoreline cleanup after incidents like the MV MSC ELSA 3. The ICG also outlined how it handled spills involving the MV MSC ELSA 3 and MV Wan Mai 503, giving attendees a detailed look at coordination and response.
To showcase its readiness, the ICG deployed a full range of assets: Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), and even Chetak and Dornier aircraft for aerial surveillance. A highlight was the first-ever shoreline cleanup drill at Marina Beach, carried out by the Greater Chennai Corporation, Tamil Nadu’s State Pollution Control Board, the Sea Defence Marine Authority, and local police. The drill proved that the ICG’s multi‑layered system works when it matters most and highlighted joint operations with ports and coastal authorities.
The exercise also underlined India’s growing home‑grown maritime technology under the “Make in India” push. Many indigenous ships and equipment were used, demonstrating a robust and self‑reliant approach to protecting the marine environment.
Since its founding on March 7, 1986, the ICG has guarded India’s maritime zones against pollution. The National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan, drafted by the ICG and approved in 1993, remains the core framework for oil‑spill preparedness. By operating pollution response centres in Mumbai, Chennai, Port Blair, and Vadinar, the ICG stays ready to act quickly across the coast.
With more than 75 % of India’s energy coming through seaborne oil imports, a strong, well‑coordinated spill‑response system is not just environmental protection—it’s a strategic necessity. NATPOLREX‑X reaffirmed India’s commitment to keeping the ocean clean, boosted international collaboration, and set new standards for technology, coordination, and stewardship of the marine ecosystem.
Source: aninews
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