Coast Guard observes 41st anniversary

To commemorate the occasion, the Headquarters Coast Guard Region (East), led by Inspector General Rajan Bargotra, have organised several events, including inter-school painting competition, quiz competition for school students. A visit to its ship, Sagar, for about 950 students will be organised on February 5. Community interaction programs and sports for fisher communities, coastal clean-up, day at sea, and a bicycle rally would be part of the Coast Guard week celebrations. 

Beginning with seven ships in 1978, the Indian Coast Guard has now grown into a formidable force comprising 62 aircraft, 134 surface units and 18 hovercrafts.

It was the rising maritime threats and opportunities at sea that had led the Indian Navy to moot the idea of an auxiliary service for maritime law enforcement and undertaking safety and protection tasks in Indian waters. In February 1977, the Union Cabinet approved the setting up of a ‘Coast Guard’ with two frigates and five patrol boats, transferred from the Indian Navy. The formal inauguration by the then Prime Minister Morarji Desai took place on August 19, 1978. 

After starting with a fleet strength of just seven ships for surveillance of the Indian coast line and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), it now is the fourth largest in the world. 

Keeping in line with the policy of empowering women, the ICG has started employing women officers in the combat and operational role with the successful all-women Dornier flight. Coast Guard women officers operate ACV (Air Cushion Vessels) in sensitive waters of Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar. 

Since its inception, the Indian Coast Guard has saved 8,522 lives, conducted 298 medical evacuations and apprehended 13,177 defaulters and law-breakers.