NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, FEB 2
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has celebrated its 43rd raising day on Saturday (February 1). The ICG came into existence on February 1, 1977, with a fleet strength of seven ships, for Surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India.
The fleet strength of ICG has grown into a formidable force with 62 aircrafts and 144 surface units including, 18 hovercrafts. The entire Coastline of India and National Maritime Zones have been divided into five Coast Guard Regions, so that the Indian Coast Guard effectively discharges its mandated roles at various locations through Coast Guard District Headquarters, Stations and Coast Guard Air Stations.
As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, the ICG through its tireless pursuits of excellence has established itself as a reliable force that responds with alacrity to situations impinging on the security of our coastline, safety of the seafaring community and coastal populace, Legitimate Economic Activities in the EEZ and the Protection of Maritime Environment. True to its motto “Vayam Rakshamah” meaning “We Protect”, the service has its credit of saving 9701 lives, 377 medical evacuations and apprehending 14,991 defaulters and law breakers since inception.
In a major step towards empowering women and greater gender parity, the ICG has started employing Women Officers in the combatant & operational role. Coast Guard Women Officers are today operating ACV (Air Cushion Vessels) in sensitive waters of Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar.
To commemorate, the Indian Coast Guard’s forty-three years of yeoman service to the Nation, the Headquarters Coast Guard Region (East) is conducting a series of events. On December 8, 2019, a Coast Guard Fitness challenge was conducted at VIT campus, Chennai wherein a series of fitness, adventure and sports competition for Corporate, College Students, Armed Forces Personnel and Individuals were organized.
On January 7, Inter School Painting Competition was organized at Coast Guard Air Station (Chennai), wherein students from various schools actively participated.
A ‘Special Community Interaction Programme cum Special Coastal Cleanup’ was also conducted on January 11 at Kasimedu Fishing Harbour as part of ICG Week Celebrations to create awareness amongst fishermen. Medical/Health Camps for fisher folk was conducted on January 29 at Chennai. In addition, a Special Tree Plantation Drive was also organized to conserve the environment on January 30.
The Coast Guard Raising Day ceremony was held on Saturday (February 1) at Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (East) at Chennai.
Governor of Tamil Nadu Banwarilal Purohit graced the occasion, a release Defence PRO said.
