Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Day is annualy observed across India on 1st February to mark the Raising Day of ICG, India’s maritime armed force operating under the Ministry of Defence.
- 1st February 2024 marks the observance of the 48th Raising Day of ICG.
History of ICG:
i.The interim ICG was established on February 1, 1977, by the Coast Guard Act of 1978 of the Parliament of India.
- ICG was established with a fleet strength of just 7 ships for surveillance in the Indian waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
ii.One of the primary duties of the ICG is to assist the Customs and other authorities in Anti-Smuggling operations.
iii.In 1977, the Union Cabinet approved the setting up a Coast Guard with 2 frigates and 5 patrol boats transferred from the Indian Navy.
Note: The 1st ICG Ship (ICGS) Kuthar (Pennant No. 31) was transferred from the Indian Navy to the ICG in 1978.
Background:
i.On 18 August 1978, the Indian Parliament officially declared the ICG Day to be observed on 1 February every year.
ii.ICG was formally inaugurated by the then Prime Minister (PM) Morarji Desai on 19th August 1978.
Significance:
i.The Day honours the contribution of ICG that supports maritime safety, and security, of India’s coastal and offshore interests.
- It is celebrated to highlight the great achievements of the Coast Guard.
ii.ICG is a maritime law enforcement and Search and Rescue (SAR) agency of India responsible for coordinating SAR in the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR).
Note: ICG has conducted 3,899 SAR operations, 8,012 sorties, and 453 medical evacuations at sea and also saved 11,561 lives since its inception in 1977.
Coast Guard Regions:
i.The Maritime Zones of India are divided into 5 Coast Guard Regions, namely, North-West, West, East, North-East, and Andaman & Nicobar for effective command and control.
ii.The 5 Coast Guard has corresponding Regional Headquarters located at:
- Gandhinagar (Gujarat), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Kolkata (West Bengal) and Port Blair (Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
iii.Officers of the rank of Inspector General command the Coast Guard Regions.
Roles and Responsibilities of ICG
i.Ensuring the safety and protection of artificial Islands, offshore terminals, installations and other structures and devices in any maritime zone.
ii.Providing protection and assistance to fishermen in distress while at Sea.
iii.Assisting the Customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations.
iv.Enforcement of Maritime Zones of India Act.
About Indian Coast Guard (ICG):
Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG)- Rakesh Pal, PTM, TM
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established on– February 1, 1977
Motto– Vayam Rakshamah (We Protect)
