MAY 24: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in partnership with the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), organized a two-day Marine Pollution Response Seminar and Workshop from May 21–22, 2025. Held in Haldia, West Bengal, the event focused on strengthening oil spill response preparedness, enhancing coordination, and improving the rapid response capabilities of key stakeholders operating along the state’s coastline.
The seminar was formally inaugurated by the ICG Commander (West Bengal), who emphasized the increasing importance of marine environmental protection and effective pollution control mechanisms, especially in light of growing industrial and shipping activities in the region.
The event featured expert-led presentations delivered by domain specialists from both the Indian Coast Guard and the Haldia Dock Complex. These sessions were conducted at the Coast Guard Pollution Response Cell and addressed a range of issues including environmental hazards, response protocols, inter-agency coordination, and the strategic use of modern technology in combating marine pollution incidents.
One of the highlights of the workshop was a live demonstration of pollution response equipment, which was organized at the Haldia Dock Complex. The demonstration allowed participants to engage directly with state-of-the-art equipment and gain practical insights into real-time response procedures, tools, and logistics required to tackle oil spill scenarios.
The workshop saw active participation from a wide array of stakeholders across the maritime and petrochemical sectors. Representatives from the Kolkata Port Trust, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. – Haldia Refinery, Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd., Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Reliance Haldia Terminals, and other industry players joined the sessions.
The event marked a significant step in collaborative coastal risk management, reaffirming the commitment of both government agencies and private sector players toward environmental stewardship and maritime safety. Through joint training and real-time exercises, the initiative aimed to foster a culture of preparedness and synergy essential for managing marine pollution challenges efficiently.
As maritime trade and industrial activities continue to expand, the Indian Coast Guard and HDC’s proactive approach ensures that environmental protection remains a top priority in coastal development strategies.