Rajnath Singh Commissions Coast Guard Pollution Vessel
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard’s first indigenously designed and built pollution control vessel at a ceremony in Goa. The induction marks a key step in strengthening India’s maritime environmental protection and coastal security capabilities.
Role and Capabilities of the Vessel
The newly commissioned vessel is designed to respond to marine pollution incidents, including oil spills and chemical leaks, in India’s coastal waters and Exclusive Economic Zone. It is equipped with advanced systems for pollution detection, containment, and recovery, along with firefighting and search-and-rescue capabilities. Officials said the ship can operate for extended durations at sea and respond swiftly to environmental emergencies.
Boost to Self-Reliance in Shipbuilding
Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh said the commissioning reflects India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and shipbuilding. The vessel has a high level of indigenous content and was built by an Indian shipyard, aligning with the government’s focus on domestic defence production. He said the ship will play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring safer maritime trade routes.
Strategic and Environmental Importance
The Coast Guard said the addition of the pollution control vessel will significantly enhance preparedness against maritime environmental threats. It will also support law enforcement, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response operations when required. Senior defence and Coast Guard officials attended the commissioning, describing it as a major upgrade to India’s maritime response infrastructure.
