Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Day is annually observed across India on February 1 to commemorate its Raising Day of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), operating under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India(GoI). The purpose of the Day is to recognise organisations that support maritime security.
- 1st February 2023 marks the observance of the 47th Raising Day of the ICG.
Indian Coast Guard is the 4th largest coast guard in the world, with approximately 158 ships and 70 aircraft in its inventory.
History of ICG:
i. The interim Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was established on 1st February 1977 to prevent the sea-borne smuggling of goods.
ii. The ICG was established by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India.
iii. The Union Cabinet approved the setting up of a Coast Guard in 1977 with 10 frigates (warships) and 5 patrol boats transferred from the Indian Navy.
Background:
i. On 18th August 1978, the Parliament officially established the ICG Day to be observed on February 1.
ii. The day was inaugurated by Morarji Desai, former Prime Minister (PM) of India, on 19th August 1978.
Key Points:
i. The Maritime Zones of India are split into 5 Coast Guard Regions: the North-West, West, East, North-East, and Andaman & Nicobar.
- The 5 coast guard has corresponding Regional Headquarters situated in Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Port Blair.
- This division was made for effective command and control.
ii. Since the formation of the ICG, it has flown more than 750 missions, performed more than 1,100 search and rescue missions, and rescued more than 1,500 lives at sea.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Coast Guard:
i. Protecting any artificial islands, offshore terminals, installations, and other structures and devices in any marine zone.
ii. Providing protection and assistance to fishermen in distress while at Sea.
iii. Preventing and protecting the marine environment, including preventing and controlling marine pollution.
iv. Assisting the Customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations.
v. Enforcement of Maritime Zones of India Act.
vi. Precautionary measures for the safety of life and property at sea and collection of scientific data.
About the Indian Coast Guard:
Director-General- Virender Singh Pathania
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Motto- “Vayam Rakshamah” means “We protect”
