Fayaz Wani
Mumbai, Oct 10 : A media delegation from Jammu and Kashmir, led by Director (PIB) Jammu Neha Jalali and coordinated by PIB Mumbai, today visited the Regional Headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in Mumbai. The visit provided firsthand insight into the vital role played by the Coast Guard in safeguarding India’s western coastline.
During the interaction, senior Coast Guard officials briefed the delegation about the force’s wide-ranging operations, achievements, and ongoing challenges. They explained that the ICG works in close coordination with 13 ministries, including the Indian Navy, Marine Police, and State Maritime Departments, ensuring a strong and efficient coastal security network across the country.
Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Regional Commander (West), highlighted that the Western Region of the Coast Guard oversees Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Daman & Diu—regions crucial to India’s maritime and economic interests within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He said the force maintains 40 stations and several air establishments, supported by an advanced Coastal Surveillance Network monitoring 46 sensitive locations along the western seaboard.
Officials informed that the Coast Guard carries out multiple operations, including search and rescue, anti-smuggling, anti-narcotics, anti-piracy, and environmental protection. “Saving one life every second day is a matter of pride for the Indian Coast Guard,” they remarked, underlining the organisation’s humanitarian commitment in addition to its security responsibilities.
The delegation also learned about the Coast Guard’s international partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with nine countries, which strengthen cooperation in maritime safety, disaster response, and anti-narcotics efforts.Officials pointed out that the vastness of the sea, natural disasters, illegal migration, and the enforcement of maritime laws remain key challenges, but coordination among the Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, and State agencies ensures robust coastal resilience.
Later, the delegation toured the Maritime Traffic Coordination Centre (MTCC), a cutting-edge facility that manages real-time monitoring of vessel movements and maritime security operations. The MTCC operates through a $2-billion software-driven system that integrates global data for ship tracking, incident response, and maritime domain awareness. Officials also demonstrated the SARAT web tool, which enables smooth information sharing between international and national maritime agencies, helping to prevent illegal activities and enhance rescue operations.
Inspector General Bhisham Sharma encouraged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to explore career opportunities in the Coast Guard. “The uniform makes us complete human beings,” he said. “It’s an honour to serve the nation’s maritime frontiers, and we are proud to see growing representation from the Jammu region.”
The visit offered the media delegation a deeper understanding of the Indian Coast Guard’s crucial role in national security, environmental protection, and maritime safety, reflecting India’s growing strength and vigilance across its coastal borders.
