Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated a state-of-the-art Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Chennai on August 18, 2024. He also virtually launched the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry. These new establishments are set to enhance maritime security and emergency response capabilities across India’s southern coast.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Chennai, a cutting-edge facility designed to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of maritime rescue operations. The centre is equipped with advanced communication and monitoring systems, aimed at ensuring a swift and efficient response to maritime emergencies, particularly for mariners and fishermen in distress.
In addition to the MRCC, Shri Rajnath Singh virtually launched the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre in Chennai and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry. The Marine Pollution Response Centre is the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean Region, focusing on coordinating responses to marine pollution incidents, including oil and chemical spills. The Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry will bolster maritime security with indigenously built helicopters for patrol and rescue missions.
“These establishments demonstrate our unwavering commitment to maritime safety and environmental protection, ensuring a robust response to any emergencies at sea,” stated Shri Rajnath Singh during the inauguration.
The development of these facilities is part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen maritime security and environmental safety in the region. The MRCC in Chennai will play a critical role in coordinating rescue operations, while the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre, announced during the Indo-ASEAN meeting in 2022, will provide essential training and emergency response capabilities.
These new facilities will significantly improve India’s ability to respond to maritime emergencies and pollution incidents, safeguarding both human lives and marine ecosystems. The strategic location of these centres along India’s southern coast enhances their effectiveness in covering a vast maritime area.
While the new facilities represent a major advancement in maritime safety, the effectiveness of these centres will depend on continuous training and adequate resourcing to handle large-scale emergencies, especially given the growing maritime traffic in the region.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Coast Guard, and representatives from state governments and friendly countries attended the inauguration, reflecting the importance of international cooperation in maritime security.
The inauguration of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, along with the launch of the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre and Coast Guard Air Enclave, marks a significant step forward in India’s commitment to maritime safety and environmental protection. These facilities will play a crucial role in securing the nation’s maritime borders and protecting its marine resources.
