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India's Coast Guard Deploys New Ship to Tackle Ocean Pollution
27 Jan
Summary
- New ICGS Samudra Pratap is equipped for pollution control.
- Marine pollution threatens India's 11,098 km coastline.
- Land-based activities cause 80% of marine pollution globally.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) 'Samudra Pratap' on January 5, 2026, in Goa. This vessel is specifically designed to enhance India's environmental response, particularly for pollution control. It features advanced detection systems, dedicated response boats, and firefighting equipment, underscoring the seriousness of marine pollution as a global issue.
Marine pollution, defined as human introduction of harmful substances into the sea, poses a significant threat. Land-based sources, including untreated sewage and agricultural waste, contribute approximately 80% of this pollution, leading to eutrophication and dead zones. Plastic waste and microplastics are also major contributors, often accumulating in vast garbage patches.
Sea-based pollution stems from shipping activities, oil spills, and extractive operations. These impacts are severe, causing biodiversity loss, harming marine mammals through entanglement and ingestion, and disrupting plankton populations vital for climate regulation. Mangroves and seagrasses are also degraded, increasing coastal vulnerability.
Human health is also at risk, as seafood contaminated with toxins like Methylmercury can lead to serious health issues. International efforts, including UNCLOS and MARPOL conventions, aim to regulate and prevent marine pollution. India is also strengthening its national maritime legislations to control pollution from ships.




