INDIAN COAST GUARD IS A READY AND VITGILANT SENTINEL ON THE MARITIME BORDER: PRAMOD DIXIT MALAY

INDIAN COAST GUARD IS A READY AND VITGILANT SENTINEL ON THE MARITIME BORDER: PRAMOD DIXIT MALAY

12-FEB-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Nearly five decades ago, when I was living in a town and receiving my primary education, a student would bring electronic watches and toys to class. They were probably made in Japan and smuggled into Indian black markets, where the wealthy and the affluent would buy them at exorbitant prices. At that time, such items were not available in the open market, and therefore not accessible to everyone. All the other children in the class would surround him, indulge his tantrums, and even offer some help with his studies. His watch was a source of curiosity throughout the school. All the children would press the day, date, time, and other buttons on it, and I too had witnessed it. Much later, I learned that such electronic items and gold were smuggled in by sea, as there was a lack of proper surveillance along the sea routes and coastal areas. The Indian Coast Guard, operating under the Ministry of Defence, was established on February 1, 1977, with a few aircraft, boats, and other resources acquired from the Navy, based on the recommendations of a committee headed by K.F. Rustam, to combat large-scale smuggling of narcotics, gold, marine life, and other commodities, to protect maritime interests, to enforce maritime laws, to ensure coastal security, to preserve the marine environment and ecosystem, to rescue ships and boats in danger, and to provide immediate assistance in times of maritime disaster. The Indian Coast Guard was formally inaugurated on August 1, 1978, by the Coast Guard Act of 1978, passed by Parliament. However, the Indian Coast Guard celebrates its anniversary on February 1. On this occasion, soldiers and officers who have made outstanding contributions are honored with the award of service medals. It is noteworthy that the Indian Coast Guard has become the fourth largest coast guard force in the world, boasting state-of-the-art ships, patrol boats, aircraft, radar detection equipment, and dedicated, dedicated soldiers. The Indian Coast Guard's motto is "Vayam Raksham," meaning "We Protect," which reflects the force's dedication, vigilance, and self-respecting, dignified image.

Military and paramilitary forces play a crucial role in addressing internal and external threats and challenges within any country. This is essential for the nation's sovereignty, integrity, and sustainable development. In India's context, maintaining an environment of peace, security, and development while safeguarding both its land and maritime borders is a significant responsibility. India is surrounded by sea on three sides: the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Indian Ocean to the south, and hundreds of islands. As of 2025, India's maritime boundary is approximately 11,000-12,000 km, comprising 5,422 km of mainland coastline and 7,516 km of island coastline, but these boundaries are subject to variation. India's territorial waters are 12 nautical miles (22 km). India's coastline touches nine states: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa, and four union territories. Gujarat has the longest coastline, at 2,340 km, while Goa has the shortest. The Indian Coast Guard, while monitoring the coastline with all its might and capabilities, is also committed to protecting the environment in the maritime zone. The Indian Coast Guard's key roles include preventing oil spills from oil tankers, assisting seafarers, supporting the proper exploitation of fisheries and minerals, conducting scientific research and data on marine life, and providing humanitarian assistance in times of crisis. The Indian Coast Guard's service area is divided into five regions, with headquarters in Mumbai, Chennai, Gandhinagar, Port Blair, and Kolkata. For coordination, the headquarters is located in New Delhi.

The Indian Coast Guard is the pride of the nation. It has consistently protected the coastlines, curbing the smuggling of narcotics, weapons, gold, and animals, and preventing illegal human immigration, thereby creating a safe environment in the country. During wartime, it assists the Navy and enhances its strength. It can be said that because the Indian Coast Guard is prepared and vigilant on the coasts, performing its duties with peace and ease, we, the citizens, are contributing to the nation's development. May the glory of the Indian Coast Guard continue to soar, and may its flag of valor continue to fly high in the sky of valor.