Vayam Rakshamah: the Coast Guard's motto, its 1977 beginning and its oil spill mandate
Background
The Indian Coast Guard traces its journey from a modest beginning in 1977 to becoming a force in maritime security. Its motto is Vayam Rakshamah, meaning We Protect. It is working towards targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030. The Coast Guard maintains a 24x7 vigil in the Maritime Zones of India, deploying 50 to 60 ships and 10 to 12 aircraft daily so that the seas stay free and secure for the blue economy and for safe maritime transportation. It is the Central Coordinating Authority for Oil Spill response in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. The majority of its assets are domestically manufactured, with approximately 90% of the capital budget allocated to indigenous assets. The Ministry of Defence and TCIL have entered into an agreement for the Digital Coast Guard mission. Its marine environment campaigns include Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar and Puneet Sagar Abhiyan.
In plain words
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone — The belt of sea, reaching up to 200 nautical miles from the coast, in which a country has rights over resources.
Surface platform Surface platform — Any vessel that floats and operates on the surface of the sea, as distinct from an aircraft.
Blue economy Blue economy — Economic activity that draws on the sea and its resources while keeping them usable in future.