Why is it in News?
→ Defence Minister commissioned India’s first indigenously built pollution control vessel.
→ Strengthens India’s marine environmental protection and maritime safety.
Important Points:
- Built by Goa Shipyard Limited with over 60% indigenous content.
- First of two pollution control vessels for Indian Coast Guard.
- Homeported at Kochi under Coast Guard Region (West).
- Largest ship in Indian Coast Guard fleet.
- Speed exceeds 22 knots with endurance of 6,000 nautical miles.
- Equipped for oil spill response, firefighting, patrol, and surveillance.
- Features helicopter hangar and advanced pollution detection systems.
- Supports protection of coral reefs, mangroves, and fisheries.