Indian Coast Guard 46th Raising Day

Context

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrates its 46th Raising Day on 1 February, 2022. 

• The fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, the ICG has saved over 10,000 lives since its establishment in 1977.

Motto

• The motto of the ICG is “Vayam Rakshamah” or “We Protect”.

History

• The Indian Coast Guard came into existence after the Committee under KF Rustamji submitted its report on the Indian government’s shortcomings in combating smuggling and other illegal maritime activities. 
• The report strongly recommended the setting up of a ‘Coast Guard’ for securing India’s EEZ and marine resources.
• The ICG was formally established on February 1, 1977, by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India. 
• It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
• In 1977, the Indian Coast Guard came into existence on 1 February, after the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the force. 
• The ICG was inaugurated on 19 August, 1978, by then Prime Minister Morarji Desai.

Mission of the Indian Coast Guard

• The mission of the Indian Coast Guard is offshore security, marine safety and coastal security.
• It has also been given the task of securing India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 
• The ICG is responsible for protection of the marine environment and providing scientific assistance.
• The Coast Guard is also tasked with national defence, in times of war.
• From a modest beginning with just 07 surface platforms in 1978, ICG has grown into a formidable force with 158 ships and 70 aircraft in its inventory and is likely to achieve targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 80 aircraft by 2025. 
• One of the primary duties of the Indian Coast Guard is prevention of smuggling through maritime routes in its area of responsibility. 
• In the last one year, it has seized drugs and contraband worth nearly four thousand crore rupees.

Role in the pandemic

• Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the IGC has maintained its vigilant patrolling of India’s EEZ. The force has deployed about 12 aircraft and 50 ships daily. 
• Last year, the ICG also assisted Sri Lanka in fighting a major fire on board the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel MV X-Press Pearl.
• The IGC has also ensured that over 40,000 fishermen and 6,000 fishing boats were escorted to safe harbours during cyclonic storms in 2020, under the organisation's ‘Preventive and Measured Response’. 
• This has led to huge loss of lives and property being averted by the Coast Guard.