Various large-scale exercises were conducted to demonstrate the oil spill response capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at the 10^th edition of the National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-X) off the coast of Chennai on Monday. It washeld alongside the 27^th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) and Preparedness meeting.

Demonstrations included that of firefighting and oil spill dispersant methods by Pollution Control Vessels, aerial surveillance and pollution response by Chetak and Dornier aircraft, and containment and recovery exercises by Offshore Patrol Vessels and Fast Patrol Vessels.

“Worldwide, there has been a quantum change in the equipment used – we have acquired the latest equipment for the Indian Coast Guard, which is in use to combat and contain any marine oil spill. It is the topography that dictates what equipment should be used. We are well-prepared to respond immediately to an oil spill at sea,” said ICG Director-General Paramesh Sivamani while overseeing the exercise.

“As the Coast Guard is the Central Coordinating Authority for any marine oil spill, we have the active support of all State governments in ensuring that the seas remain pristine and safe for future generations,” he added.

This two-day biennial exercise saw the participation of representatives from Central Ministries, coastal State governments, major ports, oil handling agencies, and maritime organisations. About 40 foreign observers from 32 countries, and more than 105 national delegates took part in the 27^th NOSDCP meeting.

In a unique session, shoreline response operations along the Marina Beach were also conducted as part of the oil-spill response drill, in the presence of Mr. Sivamani and Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran.

This exercise tested the city’s preparedness to handle marine pollution emergencies. It was a collaboration between the Coast Guard, GCC, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, State Disaster Management Authority, Chennai Port authorities, oil industry stakeholders, and international observers.