Indian Coast Guard Marks 49 Years of Dedication to Maritime Security

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Synopsis of the Article 

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrated its 49th Raising Day on 1st February 2025 at Udyog Bhavan, Gandhinagar.
• Shri Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat, attended as the Chief Guest, along with senior officials from the Armed Forces, Police, and Government.
• Inspector General T Sashi Kumar, TM, and Mrs. Archana Sashi Kumar hosted the event.
• ICG started in 1978 with seven ships and has now expanded to 165 ships/ACVs and 76 aircraft.
• The force is responsible for Coastal Security, Maritime Law Enforcement, Pollution Response, and Safety of Offshore Installations.
• ICG (North West) Headquarters was established in Gandhinagar on 16th December 2009 to safeguard Gujarat, Daman, and Diu.
• Daily deployments include 15-18 ships and 2-3 aircraft for surveillance and emergency response.
• The Governor praised ICG for major operations in 2024, including:
  • Apprehension of 320 kg of drugs worth ₹958 crores in three anti-narcotics operations.
  • Saving 70 lives at sea.
  • Rescuing 111 lives during Cyclone ASNA (August 2024).

On February 1, 2025, Gandhinagar At a lavish celebration held at Udyog Bhavan in Gandhinagar, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) proudly commemorated its 49th Raising Day. As the Chief Guest, Gujarat Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat greeted the celebration with a ceremonial reception. Senior representatives from the Central and State Governments, the Police, and the Armed Forces attended the occasion.

On behalf of the entire ICG community, the occasion was hosted by Mrs. Archana Sashi Kumar, Regional President Tatrakshika (North West), and Inspector General T Sashi Kumar, TM, Commander of Coast Guard Region (North West).

There were only seven ships when the Indian Coast Guard was first formed in 1978. With 165 ships/ACVs and 76 planes, it has developed into a powerful maritime security force during the past 49 years. Enforcing maritime regulations, safeguarding offshore assets, and maintaining the safety and security of India’s extensive maritime zones are all vital tasks for the ICG.

The Coast Guard is renowned for its 24-hour watchfulness and prompt reaction to maritime crises. It is essential for search and rescue missions, disaster relief efforts, and stopping illicit activities like drug trafficking and smuggling.

On December 16, 2009, the Regional Headquarters (North West) was set up in Gandhinagar to improve the maritime security of Gujarat, Daman, and Diu. Since then, it has maintained round-the-clock coastal surveillance through its frontline troops at Jakhau, Mundra, Vadinar, Okha, Porbandar, Veraval, and Pipavav, as well as its district headquarters in Porbandar and Okha.

The ICG uses two to three planes and fifteen to eighteen ships on a typical day to patrol and protect India’s western coast. These ongoing patrols contribute to the protection of marine trade, the prevention of illicit activity, and the safety of fishermen and other seafarers.

Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat praised the ICG’s commitment to marine security and offered his sincere congratulations to them during the event.

In particular, he emphasized three significant Coast Guard (North West) missions in 2024: Drugs worth ₹958 crores were seized when the ICG successfully stopped drug smuggling operations and seized 320 kilos of drugs. In the battle against maritime smuggling, this was a significant victory for India.
70 Lives Rescued at Sea: During emergencies, the ICG’s rapid reaction teams rescued many fishermen and sailors who were trapped at sea.
Rescue During Cyclone ASNA (August 2024): The ICG was instrumental in saving 111 lives and reducing coastal damage during the destructive Cyclone ASNA.

The Indian Coast Guard is constantly changing, adding high-speed planes, contemporary ships, and cutting-edge equipment to its fleet. Its dedication to safeguarding India’s coastline, preserving marine life, and maintaining safe waters is unwavering.

In India’s marine defense, the organization is a pillar of strength, tenacity, and loyalty as it approaches its 50th anniversary.

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