1. What was the objective of the National Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX)?
The exercise aimed to test and enhance the preparedness and coordination between various agencies in responding to marine oil spills.
2. Who participated in the NATPOLREX exercise?
Over 31 foreign observers, 80 delegates, various Indian ministries, departments, and agencies including the Coast Guard, and other stakeholders participated in this exercise.
3. Where and when was the NATPOLREX exercise conducted?
It was conducted off the Vadinar coast of Gujarat on November 25, 2023.
4. What is the significance of the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP)?
The NOSDCP outlines the provisions and strategies for effectively combating oil spill disasters at sea and ensures a cohesive action plan among different agencies.
5. How much of India’s energy requirements are met by oil that is imported?
Approximately 75 percent of India’s energy requirements are met by oil that is imported to the country by sea.
6. What challenges does oil transportation by ships pose?
Oil transportation by sea is fraught with inherent risks and requires robust preventive measures to protect against oil pollution.
7. What preventive steps does the Indian Coast Guard take regarding oil spills?
The Coast Guard has established four pollution response centers at Mumbai, Chennai, Port Blair, and Vadinar to deal with potential oil spill disasters.
8. What does the recent NATPOLREX exercise indicate about India’s preparedness for oil spills?
The successful conduct of the exercise indicates India’s improving capabilities to handle potential oil spill disasters and its commitment to safeguarding marine environments.
