The Indian Coast Guard conducted the 9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX)

Current Context: The 9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard on 25 Nov 2023 off Vadinar, Gujarat.

• The exercise aimed to assess the preparedness and coordination between various resource agencies to respond to a marine oil spill while invoking the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) provisions.
• The Indian Coast Guard deployed surface and air platforms, including Pollution Response Vessels (PRVs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III, and Dornier Aircraft configured for marine pollution response.
• More than 31 foreign observers and 80 delegates participated in the event.
• The exercise also showcased India’s industrial prowess in terms of the ‘Make in India’ thrust under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Question:

Q.1 Where was the NATPOLREX-IX conducted?
a. Mumbai, Maharashtra
b. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
c. Vadinar, Gujarat
d. Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands