Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will be celebrating its 46th Raising Day on February 01, 2022. The institute was raised with a beginning of just 07 surface platforms in 1978, ICG has grown into a formidable force with 158 ships and 70 aircraft in its inventory. ICG is aiming to achieve targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 80 aircraft by 2025.
As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, ICG has played a significant role in securing the Indian coasts and enforcing regulations in the Maritime Zones of India.
The President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister congratulated the Indian Coast Guard on the completion of 45 glorious years of yeoman service to the nation and appreciated the remarkable role played by the service in pursuit of the nation’s interests in the Maritime Zones.
Despite the restrictions due to the ‘COVID-19’ pandemic, ICG has successfully maintained 24×7 vigil in the Exclusive Economic Zone, by deploying about 50 ships and 12 aircraft daily. Interestingly, due to the hawk-eye vigil of the ICG which in the past has many times ensured the seizure of drugs and contraband worth more than Rs. 11,924 Crore since the inception of which more than Rs. 3,950 Crore worth of drugs and contrabands were seized in the last year alone. ICG is also collaborating with littoral countries to combat transnational maritime crimes and enhance maritime safety in its area of responsibility and the Indian Ocean Region.
When it comes to keeping with the nation’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ & ‘Neighbourhood First’, ICG has successfully averted ecological disasters and emerged as the “First Responder” The most recent such instance is onboard Chemical carrier MV X-Press Pearl, namely Sagar Aaraksha-II.
While the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration on August 15, 2021, the reach of the Coast Guard force was amply demonstrated during the flag hoisting on 100 inhabited & un-inhabited far-flung islands as part of the celebration.
Until now, the forces have saved 1,226 lives last year and 11,082 lives since its inception. These achievements translate into the saving of one precious life at sea every second day. ICG Officials have also saved 339 people last year, overall, 12,934 personnel have been rescued to date by the service during various ‘Aid to Civil Authority operations viz.
