Kolkata: The Indian Coast Guard District Headquarters (Odisha) successfully conducted a two-day Pollution Response (PR) Workshop and Tabletop Exercise on 15–16 July 2025, aimed at enhancing preparedness, coordination, and synergy among all stakeholders involved in marine pollution response in the state of Odisha.
The comprehensive workshop witnessed active participation from key maritime and environmental agencies, including Paradip Port Authority, Dhamra Port, Gopalpur Port, BPCL, HPCL, IOCL, Odisha State Pollution Control Board, and the State Disaster Management Authorities.
As the designated Nodal Agency in India for combating oil pollution at sea, the Indian Coast Guard organized the event to strengthen institutional collaboration and ensure a more unified approach to safeguarding Odisha’s coastline against oil spills and marine environmental hazards.
The workshop was inaugurated by the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters (Odisha), who warmly welcomed all participants and acknowledged the importance of their involvement. In his address, the District Commander emphasized that such initiatives significantly boost cohesiveness, response mechanisms, and overall preparedness to tackle marine oil pollution incidents effectively.
The first day of the workshop featured insightful presentations and discussions on critical topics related to marine pollution prevention, control, and response strategies. Experts and representatives from participating agencies shared their experiences, capabilities, and best practices in pollution management.
The second day included a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) designed to simulate a marine oil spill scenario, allowing all stakeholders to assess and refine their coordinated response plans. The TTX was followed by a live Pollution Response demonstration conducted onboard Indian Coast Guard Ship Vijaya and Paradip Port Authority’s vessel Ocean Elegance.
The event underscored the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to environmental protection and collaborative disaster response, reinforcing the importance of inter-agency coordination in preserving the marine ecosystem along Odisha’s coastline.
