OPERATION SAJAG
Why in news
The Indian Coast Guard conducted a coastal security drill named ‘Operation Sajag’ along the west coast.
About Operation Sajag:
- During the drill, extensive checking and verification of documents and crew passes of all fishing boats, barges and craft at sea was undertaken.
- A total of 118 ships including those from Customs, Marine Police, Ports & Indian Navy participated in the drill.
- In order to strengthen the coastal security construct, a slew of measures have been incorporated ranging from Issuance of Biometric cards for the fishermen, colour coding of fishing boats as per each state, manning of fish landing centres and access control at entry/exit check points, coastal mapping, designating specific marine band frequency for security agencies, training of marine police personnel by Indian Coast Guard amongst others.
- Biometric card readers have also been issued to security agencies.
- The drill facilitates revalidation of the coastal security mechanism and bring awareness among the fishermen at sea.
Indian Coast Guard
- The Indian Coast Guard is a maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India with jurisdiction over its territorial waters including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
- It was established in 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India.
- Parent Agency: Ministry of Defence
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Head: Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG)
Missions of Indian Coast Guard
- Safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore terminals and other installations.
- Protection and assistance to fishermen and mariners at sea.
- Preservation and protection of marine ecology and environment including pollution control.
- Assistance to the Department of Customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations.
Source – PIB
