Consider the following statements about NATPOLREX-IX:

1. The 9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard in August 2023

2. It was conducted in Maharashtra state

3. The NATPOLREX-IX accomplished its objective of testing the level of preparedness and coordination between various resource agencies

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct option is A

The Correct Answer is: (a) Only statement 3

Explanation:
NATPOLREX-IX (National Pollution Response Exercise) is a biennial event conducted by the Indian Coast Guard to evaluate marine pollution response preparedness. The 9th edition (NATPOLREX-IX) was successfully conducted in Odisha, not Maharashtra, in August 2023. Its key goal was to test inter-agency coordination and preparedness, which was accomplished successfully.

Information Booster:

• NATPOLREX is India's flagship marine pollution drill simulating oil spill scenarios.

• It involves agencies such as the Indian Navy, ONGC, DG Shipping, and port authorities.

• The 2023 exercise was conducted off the coast of Paradip, Odisha.

• The exercise ensures operational readiness for tackling marine environmental hazards.

• It is aligned with IMO conventions on oil spill preparedness.