Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Day is celebrated annually on 1st February across India to commemorate the establishment of the ICG, India’s maritime armed force under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
- 1st February 2025 marks the observance of 49th Raising Day of the ICG.
- The day honours the crucial role of the ICG in safeguarding India’s coastlines and enforcing maritime laws.
Background :
i.In 1977, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the ICG, with 2 frigates and 5 patrol boats transferred from the Indian Navy (IN).
- The ICG was formed on February 1, 1977 by the Coast Guard Act of 1978 of Parliament of India, to combat sea-based smuggling that affected India’s economy.
- The 1st Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS), Kuthar (Pennant No. 31), was transferred from the IN to the ICG in 1978.
ii.The Indian Parliament declared ICG Day on August 18, 1978.
- ICG was formally inaugurated by the then Prime Minister (PM) Morarji Desai on 19th August 1978.
iii.Initially, the ICG began its operations with a fleet strength of just 7 ships for surveillance in the Indian waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
iv.Over the years it has grown to a fleet of 158 ships and 78 aircraft, playing a key role in securing the Indian Coasts and enforcing regulations within the Maritime Zones of India.
Note:Since its formation, the ICG has saved more than 10,000 lives and apprehend nearly 14,000 criminals.
Significance:
i.The ICG Department is the 4-largest Coast Guard globally, responsible for Search And Rescue (SAR) operations, safeguarding coastlines, preventing illegal activities like smuggling, and aiding mariners and fishermen.
- It coordinates SAR efforts within the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR).
ii.It operates in coordination with the IN, Customs, and Police forces across 9 coastal states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu (TN), Kerala, Andhra Pradesh (AP), Odisha, and West Bengal (WB) and 2 Union Territories (UTs), Daman & Diu and Puducherry.
iii.The regional offices are in Gandhinagar (Gujarat), Chennai (TN), Kolkata (WB), and Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands .
Note:Since its inception in 1977, the ICG has conducted 3,899 SAR operations, completed 8,012 sorties, and performed 453 medical evacuations at sea, saving a total of 11,561 lives.
ICG’s New Initiatives:
i.The ICG is committed to self-reliance and modernisation, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” initiative.
- This includes acquiring advanced air cushion vehicles, next-generation patrol vessels, and upgraded communication systems to improve operational efficiency.
ii.Key contracts for Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, Dorniers, and additional helicopters have been signed, boosting the ICG’s response capabilities to maritime threats.
- Additionally, over 1,000 meters (m) of jetty are being constructed to enhance operational facilities.
iii.The ICG has also launched the Automation of Service Healthcare Administration (ASHA) application(app) for medical management and is setting up a Tier-III Data Centre as part of its Digital Coast Guard initiative.
iv.New facilities such as the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre(MRCC) in Chennai,TN and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry strengthen India’s maritime response in the Indian Ocean Region(IOR).
About Indian Coast Guard (ICG):
Director-General (DG)– Paramesh Sivamani
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established– 1977
Motto– Vayam Rakshamah (We Protect)
