Paradip: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) District Headquarters No 7 (Odisha), under the aegis of Coast Guard Region (North East), successfully conducted the Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise (Re-PREX-24) from November 12 to 14, 2024, at Paradip. The exercise aimed to bolster preparedness and improve coordination among various regional stakeholders in responding to oil spills and other marine pollution incidents.
The exercise featured a range of activities designed to simulate real-world pollution scenarios, including professional presentations, expert discussions, and a mock drill conducted onboard an ICG ship at sea off Paradip. This scenario-based drill provided valuable insights into the operational strategies and response techniques required to address oil spill incidents, especially along the sensitive coastal regions of Odisha.
Key regional participants in the exercise included representatives from major organizations such as the Paradip Port Authority, Dharma Port, Gopalpur Port, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., and the Odisha State Pollution Control Board. Their involvement ensured a collaborative approach to strengthening pollution response mechanisms across both the public and private sectors.
The ICG plays a leading role in pollution response efforts across India, conducting regular training and scenario-based exercises to ensure that all stakeholders are prepared to handle marine pollution incidents effectively. The Coast Guard’s commitment to safeguarding the marine environment and ensuring the resilience of coastal communities was evident throughout the exercise, highlighting its ongoing efforts to enhance disaster response readiness and environmental protection along India’s vast coastline.
Re-PREX-24 marks a crucial step in refining national preparedness strategies for marine pollution response, reaffirming the ICG’s dedication to preserving the ecological balance of India’s marine and coastal ecosystems.