From May 21 to 22, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in partnership with the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), successfully hosted a two-day Marine Pollution Response Seminar and Workshop in Haldia. This event was organized with the crucial objective of enhancing preparedness, coordination, and rapid response capabilities among key maritime and industrial stakeholders involved in managing oil spill incidents along the West Bengal coastline.
The seminar was formally inaugurated by the ICG Commander (West Bengal), setting a focused tone on the importance of environmental protection and effective pollution control in the region. The sessions featured expert presentations by domain specialists from both the Indian Coast Guard and the Haldia Dock Complex Pollution Response Cell. These presentations covered a broad spectrum of topics related to oil spill detection, containment strategies, and the deployment of pollution control technologies.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the practical demonstration held at the Haldia Dock Complex, where participants had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with advanced pollution response equipment. This live demonstration showcased the capabilities of state-of-the-art systems designed to tackle marine pollution incidents swiftly and effectively.
The seminar attracted active participation from a diverse group of stakeholders representing the maritime and petrochemical sectors. Key organizations included the Kolkata Port Trust, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Haldia Refinery, Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd., Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Reliance Haldia Terminals, among others. This multi-sector involvement underscored the shared commitment toward safeguarding the marine environment through collaborative efforts.
By fostering greater understanding, preparedness, and cooperation, the Indian Coast Guard and Haldia Dock Complex aim to significantly bolster the region’s capability to respond to marine pollution incidents, thereby protecting the delicate coastal ecosystem and supporting sustainable maritime operations in West Bengal.
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