NE NEWS SERVICE
GANDHINAGAR, FEB 2
The President of India, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister in their message congratulated the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on completion of 43 glorious years of yeoman service to the Nation and also appreciated the remarkable role played by the service in ensuring the Nation’s interests in the Maritime Zones.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrated its 44th Raising Day on Saturday.
The traditional Coast Guard Day Reception ceremony hosted by Inspector General Rakesh Pal, PTM, TM Regional Commander, Headquarters Coast Guard Region (NW) at Gandhinagar was graced by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat with dignitaries from State, Central Government, and other Armed Forces.
A force to reckon with
ICG from a modest beginning with just 07 surface platforms in 1978, has grown into a formidable force with 146 ships and 62 aircraft in its inventory and likely to achieve targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2025.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) accords ceremonial welcome to Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat on Saturday. – NE photo As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, the ICG has played a significant role in securing the Indian Coasts and enforcing the regulations within the Maritime Zones of India. True to its motto “Vayam Rakshamah” meaning “We Protect”, the service has to its credit, saving of 9,700 lives and apprehending 13,200 miscreants since inception in 1977. On average, the Coast Guard saves one precious life every second day at sea.
The incorporation of ‘Prevention and Measured Response’ concept during the passage of six cyclones in the year 2019, ensured that more than 6,000 fishing boats with about 40,000 fishermen were escorted to safe harbours thus averting loss of lives and property at sea. The deterrent patrols both at Sea and Air enabled seizure of contraband worth about Rs 2,000 crore and apprehension of more than 30 foreign fishing boats with about 120 miscreants illegally operating in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in 2019. The service is also working in close coordination with Central and State agencies to provide a robust Coastal Security mechanism. ICG is also collaborating with littoral countries to combat transnational maritime crimes and enhance Maritime safety in its area of responsibility and the Region.
