VASCO
The Indian Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 11 (Goa), in collaboration with Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), conducted a two-day area-level pollution response exercise on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The exercise aimed to enhance coordination among stakeholders involved in marine pollution response, validate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and assess Goa’s preparedness”covering MPA, minor ports, and partner agencies”for handling pollution-related incidents.
Various organisations participated, including the state administration, Environment Department, Goa State Pollution Control Board, Goa Police, Indian Oil Corporation, Captain of Ports, Oil Handling Agencies, Paradeep Phosphates, and Southwest Port.
Day one featured presentations on oil spill prevention and shoreline cleanup, followed by a tabletop drill involving all agencies. On the second day, participants witnessed a live demonstration of pollution response equipment held at MPA and Captain of Ports premises. Later, a shoreline cleanup exercise was conducted at Miramar Beach with active participation from agencies and volunteers.
The exercise effectively tested and strengthened the collective response strategies for tackling marine oil spills along Goa’s coast.
