ICG Launches Final Indigenous Pollution Control Vessel

25 Jul 2025 CW Team

‘Samudra Prachet’, the second and final indigenously built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), was launched for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in Goa on 23 July 2025. With 72 per cent indigenous content, the vessel reflects a strong push towards Aatmanirbharta in defence production and significant involvement of local industries and MSMEs, aiding skill development and employment generation.

Designed to tackle maritime pollution, the 114.5-metre-long vessel with a displacement of 4,170 tonnes will be operated by 14 officers and 115 sailors. It features two side-sweeping arms for collecting oil spills while in motion, advanced radar for slick detection, and onboard systems for pollutant separation and oil recovery across all viscosity levels.

The ship was launched by Smt Priya Paramesh in the presence of Director General of ICG Paramesh Sivamani, who praised GSL's efforts and urged continued focus on indigenous defence production.

GSL CMD Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay highlighted the vessel’s environmental importance and its role in strengthening India’s maritime pollution response capabilities.

The first PCV was launched in August 2024 and is expected to be delivered shortly. Together, these vessels enhance India’s preparedness for protecting its Exclusive Economic Zone from marine pollution.

Infrastructure Transport

07 Apr 2026

Large Format Store Planned At M G Road Metro Station

M G Road station in Bengaluru is set to host the city’s first large-format commercial and experience space, with planning led by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. BMRCL has invited proposals to develop and operate a central business district destination at the Purple?Pink Line interchange. The plan positions the station as a commercial hub designed to serve a broad commuter base across the city. The proposal is part of a broader effort to activate transit nodes commercially. Tender documents set a minimum monthly rental of Rs 0.944 million (mn), inclusive of GST, for the large-format..

Government Cancels Auction Of Eleven Critical Mineral Blocks

The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical and strategic mineral blocks after receiving a poor investor response and failing to attract a sufficient number of qualified bidders. The decision represents a setback to plans to ramp up domestic exploration and production of critical minerals amid global supply chain disruptions and rising demand for materials used in clean energy and advanced technologies. The mines ministry issued an annulment notice setting out the reasons for the cancellations. The annulment notice indicated that the auction process for five mineral blocks was canc..

Gujarat Pushes Biogas Growth With 193 Operational Units

Gujarat has operationalised 193 biogas plants across the state and is planning to add 60 more units as part of a broader push to scale up clean and sustainable energy solutions. The existing plants, established under various government-supported schemes, process organic waste including cattle dung and agricultural residue to produce biogas and a nutrient-rich slurry. The output is mainly used for cooking and other energy needs in rural and semi-urban communities, while also improving local waste management practices. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) is leading the initiative and is..