Ministry of Defence: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Advanced Maritime Facilities in Chennai and Puducherry

Date: August 18, 2024 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry Event Summary: On August 18, 2024, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated a series of cutting-edge maritime facilities designed to strengthen India’s maritime security infrastructure and enhance emergency response capabilities. The inauguration ceremony took place in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where Shri Rajnath Singh officially opened the newly constructed Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) building. In a simultaneous virtual event, he also launched the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre (RMPRC) located within the Chennai Port premises and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry. These state-of-the-art establishments are integral to India's commitment to maritime safety and environmental protection, ensuring a robust and efficient response to emergencies and maritime threats. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC): The newly inaugurated MRCC in Chennai represents a significant advancement in India’s maritime rescue operations. The facility is designed to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of rescue efforts for mariners and fishermen facing distress at sea. Equipped with the latest technology, including terrestrial and satellite distress monitoring systems, the MRCC enables real-time management of alerts through advanced communication systems. These capabilities allow highly-trained ICG personnel specializing in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations to provide immediate and effective responses to critical situations. The MRCC's establishment underscores the government’s unwavering resolve to safeguard lives at sea and to ensure swift and efficient rescue operations. Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre (RMPRC): The RMPRC, launched virtually by Shri Rajnath Singh, is a pioneering facility focused on combating marine pollution, particularly oil and chemical spills in the Indian Ocean Region. This first-of-its-kind center is housed at the Chennai Port premises and was first announced by Shri Rajnath Singh during the maiden Indo-ASEAN meeting in Cambodia on November 22, 2022. The RMPRC is equipped with an Emergency Response Centre manned 24x7 by ICG personnel trained to monitor and respond to marine oil pollution incidents. The facility will also serve as a training hub for various organizations, including ports, oil handling agencies, government bodies, and private entities. Additionally, the RMPRC will offer training programs for personnel from friendly nations, focusing on combating oil pollution at sea. Practical training will include the deployment of various oil handling equipment, providing trainees with exposure to real-time oil spill scenarios and enhancing their preparedness for actual incidents. Coast Guard Air Enclave: In another significant development, Shri Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry, marking a major milestone in strengthening maritime security along the southern coast of India. The Air Enclave is equipped with squadrons of Chetak and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), both indigenously built and capable of performing a variety of missions, including maritime patrol, SAR operations, and other critical tasks both from land bases and Coast Guard ships patrolling at sea. The establishment of the Coast Guard Air Enclave will play a vital role in safeguarding the maritime borders along the Puducherry and south Tamil Nadu coast, contributing to the overall maritime security framework of the nation. Significance and Attendees: These newly inaugurated facilities represent a major step forward in India’s efforts to ensure comprehensive maritime security and environmental protection. The establishment of the MRCC, RMPRC, and the Air Enclave demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining a robust maritime defense system and enhancing its capacity to respond to emergencies effectively. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Coast Guard, the Armed Forces, dignitaries from state governments, and representatives from friendly countries, underscoring the importance of these developments in strengthening regional and global maritime security. The new facilities will not only bolster India’s maritime capabilities but also serve as a testament to the nation’s dedication to ensuring the safety of its coastal waters and protecting the environment from marine pollution.