(THE GIST OF PIB) Operation Sajag

(September-2023)

The Indian Coast Guard recently conducted 'Operation Sajag,' a Coastal Security Drill along the Western Coast.

It is a coastal security drill conducted by the Indian Coast Guard along the west coast.
It involved all stakeholders of the Indian coastal security construct.
A total of 118 ships, including those from Customs, Marine Police, Ports, and the Indian Navy, participated in the drill.
The drill facilitates revalidation of the coastal security mechanism and brings awareness among the fishermen at sea.
During the drill, extensive checking and verification of documents and crew passes of all fishing boats, barges and craft at sea was undertaken.
Biometric card readers have also been issued to security agencies.
Besides monitoring of dhows, island security and community interaction programmes have been institutionalised under the coastal security construct.

It is an armed force that protects India's maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
History: it was formally established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 as an independent armed force of India.
Parent ministry: It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
Administration: The organisation is headed by the Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG).