Indian Coast Guard Conducts ‘Sagar Kavach’ Exercise
Overview of the Exercise
The Indian Coast Guard successfully carried out the ‘Sagar Kavach’ Coastal Security Exercise on October 16-17, 2024, focusing on the State of Gujarat and the Union Territory of Daman & Diu. This exercise, coordinated by the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters in Gandhinagar, is the second of its kind this year, aiming to enhance maritime and coastal security and validate existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Participants and Activities
The two-day exercise, named “SAGAR KAVACH – 02/24,” involved a comprehensive analysis of the Coastal Security Mechanism. Various stakeholders, including the Indian Navy, State Police, Marine Police, Border Security Force (BSF), National Security Guard, Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), Fisheries, Intelligence Bureau, Port authorities, and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), participated in the event. The exercise featured ships and boats from the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and Marine Police, along with extensive aerial surveillance using aircraft and drones.
Simulated Scenarios
During the exercise, various operational scenarios were simulated to assess and improve the coordination and effectiveness of efforts by all stakeholders in the maritime security environment.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Coast Guard -: The Indian Coast Guard is a branch of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for protecting India’s maritime interests and enforcing maritime law. They help keep the seas safe and secure.
Sagar Kavach -: Sagar Kavach is a security exercise conducted to test and improve the coastal security measures. ‘Sagar’ means sea and ‘Kavach’ means shield in Hindi, so it is like a shield for the sea.
Gujarat and Daman & Diu -: Gujarat is a state in western India, and Daman & Diu is a union territory. Both have coastlines along the Arabian Sea, making them important for maritime security.
Regional Headquarters in Gandhinagar -: Gandhinagar is the capital city of Gujarat. The Regional Headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard in Gandhinagar coordinates activities and operations in the region.
Maritime security -: Maritime security involves protecting the seas and oceans from illegal activities like smuggling, piracy, and unauthorized fishing. It ensures safe and secure seas for everyone.
Stakeholders -: Stakeholders are people or groups involved in a particular activity or project. In this exercise, stakeholders include the Indian Navy, State Police, and others who work together to ensure security.
Simulated scenarios -: Simulated scenarios are practice situations created to mimic real-life events. They help teams practice and improve their response to actual emergencies.