The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will conduct the 10th edition of the National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-X) off the coast of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, starting tomorrow. This two-day biennial flagship exercise will be conducted in conjunction with the 27th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) and Preparedness Meeting. In a statement, ICG said the exercise is designed to evaluate and enhance India’s national preparedness to respond to marine oil spill incidents.

The exercise will further strengthen inter-agency cooperation, promote the adoption of best practices, and set new benchmarks in maritime environmental stewardship, operational readiness, and technological integration.

The event is expected to witness active participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including central ministries, coastal state governments, major ports, oil handling agencies, and maritime organizations. The event will host 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 the country’s operational preparedness, the ICG will deploy a comprehensive array of pollution response assets, including ships and aircraft configured for maritime pollution control. The drills will highlight the multi-tiered response strategy of the ICG and reinforce the importance of coordinated maritime operations involving both national and international partners.