Context:
India has strengthened its maritime environmental protection and coastal security architecture with the commissioning of Samudra Pratap, a dedicated pollution control vessel of the Indian Coast Guard, reflecting India’s commitment to safeguarding its marine ecosystem.
Key Highlights:
- Commissioning Details
- Samudra Pratap was commissioned in Goa on January 6, 2026.
- It is the first of two specialised pollution control vessels planned for induction.
- Operational Capabilities
- Designed for oil spill detection, containment, and recovery.
- Capable of:
- Recovering pollutants
- Analysing contaminants
- Separating oil from polluted water
- Operates within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond.
- Technical Specifications
- Length: 114.5 metres
- Displacement: 4,200 tonnes
- Speed: Over 22 knots
- Endurance: 6,000 nautical miles
- Strategic Significance
- Enhances Coast Guard’s role in:
- Marine pollution response
- Firefighting
- Maritime security
- Supports India’s obligations under international maritime environmental conventions.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Maritime zone with sovereign rights over resources.
- Pollution control vessels are critical for oil spill preparedness.
- Indian Coast Guard functions under the Ministry of Defence.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Marine pollution threatens coastal livelihoods, biodiversity, and energy security.
- Rapid response capability reduces long-term ecological and economic damage.
- Dedicated vessels signal a shift from reactive to proactive maritime governance.
- Strengthens India’s blue economy and coastal resilience agenda.
- Way Forward
- Expand the pollution response fleet across vulnerable coastlines.
- Integrate maritime surveillance with disaster response systems.
- Enhance coordination between Coast Guard, ports, and coastal states.
- Invest in indigenous shipbuilding for environmental security assets.
UPSC Relevance:
GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology, Internal Security
Prelims – Maritime Zones and Coastal Security