SDG 14: Life Below Water | SDG 13: Climate Action
Institutions: Ministry of Defence | Indian Coast Guard
From 5–6 October 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will conduct NATPOLREX-X, the 10th National Level Pollution Response Exercise, alongside the 27th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) preparedness meeting, off the coast of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The two-day event brings together central ministries, coastal state governments, major ports, oil agencies, and over 100 national delegates plus 40+ foreign observers from 32 countries.
It aims to test and validate India’s interagency capacity for marine oil spill response, coordinate multi-level readiness, and showcase operational capabilities using vessels, aircraft, and pollution control assets.
This exercise underlines India’s growing role in maritime environmental stewardship and global cooperation in marine safety.
What is NATPOLREX & NOSDCP? →
NATPOLREX is India’s flagship marine pollution response drill that simulates large-scale oil spill incidents to test responsiveness across agencies.
NOSDCP (National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan) is the national framework that outlines institutional responsibilities and response protocols for oil spills.
This drill reinforces the importance of marine environment preparedness in India’s coastal security and climate resilience agenda. It helps entities like the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and State Coastal Authorities refine coordination for spill response, pollution control, and regulatory oversight.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can the outcomes of NATPOLREX-X be institutionalised so that improved protocols, real-time data sharing, and international best practices become part of routine marine governance-not just simulation exercises?
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Indian Coast Guard to Conduct NATPOLREX-X & NOSDCP Exercise