Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) April 8: A specialised oil spill response training programme was conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to strengthen preparedness and inter-agency coordination in tackling marine environmental emergencies.
The one-and-a-half-day training was organised by the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Police Training Institute (NSCBPTI), Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard on April 7 and 8. The programme aimed to enhance the capacity of multiple departments to respond effectively to oil spill incidents, which pose a significant risk to the region’s fragile marine ecosystem.
The training was held under the supervision of Uma Shankar, DANIPS, Principal of NSCBPTI, with a focus on improving coordination, operational readiness, and response mechanisms among stakeholder agencies.
Sessions were conducted by officers of the Indian Coast Guard, including Commandant L.M. Gajbhiye, Officer-in-Charge of the Pollution Response Team (A&N), Deputy Commandant Saibal Ghosh, Deputy Officer-in-Charge of PRT, and JCO Rahul Kumar, Subordinate Officer (Training), along with faculty members from the Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee.
The curriculum covered a wide range of topics related to oil spill management. Participants were introduced to response frameworks, behaviour and movement of oil in marine environments, and the environmental and socio-economic impact of such incidents. The programme also addressed response strategies, shoreline clean-up methods, and procedures for establishing response operations in affected areas.
Officials said emphasis was placed on standard operating procedures and clearly defined roles of different departments during emergency situations. The training also highlighted the importance of coordinated action among agencies to ensure timely and effective mitigation of damage caused by oil spills.
Case studies of previous oil spill incidents formed a key part of the sessions, offering practical insights into operational challenges and best practices. Waste management protocols were also discussed, focusing on safe handling, storage, and disposal of oil-contaminated materials in an environmentally sustainable manner.
As part of the field component, participants visited Corbyn’s Cove Beach, where practical demonstrations were conducted on shoreline assessment and clean-up techniques. The trainees also visited the Pollution Response Team unit to familiarise themselves with equipment, resources, and preparedness systems maintained by the Indian Coast Guard.
A total of 28 participants from various departments took part in the programme. These included officials from the Directorate of Disaster Management, Labour Department, Port Management Board, Forest Department, Industries Department, Transport Department, APWD, Revenue Department, Shipping Department, and personnel from different units of the Andaman and Nicobar Police.
The training concluded with interactive sessions that facilitated exchange of experiences and operational insights among participants. Officials said the programme helped strengthen coordination and improve readiness to address oil spill incidents effectively.
The initiative underscored the need for sustained preparedness and collaborative response systems to safeguard the marine environment of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from potential ecological threats.
