Chennai, Oct 5 (UNI) The two-day 10th edition of the National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-X) began today in conjunction with the 27th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) and Preparedness Meeting off the coast of Chennai.
The exercise was being conducted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
This biennial flagship exercise isa designed to evaluate and enhance India’s national preparedness to respond to marine oil spill incidents, while testing the efficiency of inter-agency coordination as outlined under the NOSDCP.
The exercise was overseen by Paramesh Sivamani, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, and Chairperson, NOSDCP, who assessed the level of preparedness and synergy among the participating agencies.
The event saw active participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including central ministries, coastal state governments, major ports, oil handling agencies, and maritime organisations.
Significantly, the event hosted more than 40 foreign observers from 32 countries and over 100 national delegates, making it a globally relevant forum for marine pollution response.
To showcase India’s operational preparedness, the ICG deployed a comprehensive array of pollution response assets, including ships and aircraft configured for maritime pollution control.
The drills highlighted the multi-tiered response strategy of the ICG and reinforced the importance of coordinated maritime operations involving both national and international partners.
NATPOLREX-X 2025 reaffirms India’s commitment to marine environmental protection, aligning with the national vision of sustainable development and ecological responsibility.
The exercise further strengthened the inter-agency cooperation, promoted the adoption of best practices, and set new benchmarks in maritime environmental stewardship, operational readiness, and technological integration.
