Indian Coast Guard Undertakes Haldia Riverfront Cleanup Ahead of Raising Day
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Synopsis
On January 31, the Indian Coast Guard Ship Amrit Kaur led a cleanup operation at the Haldia Riverfront in West Bengal, coinciding with the 49th Raising Day celebrations of the Force, which was established on February 1, 1977.
Key Takeaways
- Indian Coast Guard celebrates its 49th Raising Day.
- Over 200 kg of waste collected during the cleanup.
- Focus on keeping water bodies free of plastic waste.
- ICG operates various stations in West Bengal and Odisha.
- Plans to expand fleet by 2030.
Kolkata, Jan 31 (NationPress) The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Amrit Kaur engaged in a cleanup operation at the Haldia Riverfront in West Bengal on Friday, marking the eve of the Force's 49th Raising Day celebrations. The Indian Coast Guard was established on February 1, 1977, originally with seven surface platforms.
A senior official from the ICG reported that 100 personnel participated in the cleanup initiative, successfully collecting over 200 kg of waste.
The Coast Guard station in Haldia operates under the Kolkata-based North East Region Headquarters.
This regional hub is also responsible for the Coast Guard station in Paradip, Odisha.
According to the official, 'This cleanup event was significant as it coincided with our Raising Day. We aimed to promote awareness regarding the necessity of maintaining our riverfronts, coastlines, rivers, and seas free from trash, especially plastic and other hazardous waste that severely impacts marine life.'
In addition to the stations at Haldia and Paradip, the ICG maintains a base at Fraserganj in West Bengal, near the Sundarbans. An Air Cushion Vehicle, or hovercraft, is stationed there for rapid response.
The regional headquarters also oversees two air enclaves located in Kolkata and Bhubaneswar, as stated by the official.
'Our vessels and aircraft routinely patrol the Bay of Bengal region up to the International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) with Bangladesh. We not only safeguard our coastline against infiltration attempts, but our personnel are also vigilant in preventing piracy, smuggling, and poaching. Concurrently, they provide invaluable assistance during adverse weather conditions, guiding fishermen to safety and conducting Search and Rescue operations during emergencies,' another official elaborated.
The ICG also provides medical assistance to ill mariners on commercial vessels, ensuring timely transfers to shore-based medical facilities for life-saving treatment. Furthermore, the Force serves as the primary agency for mitigating marine pollution due to spills or other incidents.
'Currently, the ICG boasts 151 ships and 76 aircraft. By 2030, we aim to increase our fleet to 200 ships and 100 aircraft. We save a life at sea every other day,' he added.
