Coastal Security Drill ‘Operation Sajag’ Conducted by Coast Guard

‘Operation Sajag’ is a crucial exercise conducted by the Indian Coast Guard along the west coast on September 18, 2023. This operation involves all stakeholders of the coastal security framework and serves multiple purposes, including the revalidation of coastal security measures and raising awareness among fishermen operating at sea. It plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of India’s coastal regions.

Download Free February 2024 BOLT PDF (Current Affairs)

About Operation Sajag

‘Operation Sajag’ is a comprehensive drill conducted by the Indian Coast Guard on a monthly basis along the west coast. During this operation, several key activities are carried out:

Verification of Documents: Rigorous checking and verification of documents and crew passes for all fishing boats, barges, and vessels at sea are conducted.
Participation: A total of 118 ships, including those from Customs, Marine Police, Ports, and the Indian Navy, participated in the drill.
Coastal Security Measures: Various measures to strengthen coastal security are implemented, such as issuing biometric cards for fishermen, color-coding fishing boats according to each state, manning fish landing centers, implementing access control at entry/exit checkpoints, coastal mapping, assigning specific marine band frequencies for security agencies, and providing training to marine police personnel by the Indian Coast Guard.
Biometric Card Readers: Biometric card readers are provided to security agencies to enhance security measures.
Monitoring: Monitoring of dhows, island security, and community interaction programs are established as part of the coastal security framework.

‘Operation Sajag’ is essential for verifying the implementation of coastal security measures, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring the safety and security of India’s coastal regions.

About the Indian Coast Guard

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India. It was formally established on 1 February 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978. It operates under the Ministry of Defence.

The ICG is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

It has jurisdiction over its territorial waters including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
Maritime law enforcement, including patrolling India’s territorial waters, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone to prevent smuggling, poaching, and other illegal activities.
Search and rescue operations at sea and on land.
Pollution response and disaster relief.
Marine navigation and safety.
Protection of marine ecosystems and resources.

The ICG has a fleet of over 200 ships and aircraft and a personnel strength of over 15,000. It is headquartered in New Delhi and has regional headquarters in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Port Blair.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

Oliveboard Live Courses & Mock Test Series