Why in News:

• The Indian Coast Guard Ship Vigraha was commissioned by the Minister for Defence at a programme held in Chennai.

What are the functions of Vigraha

• ICGS Vigraha can carry one twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats for boarding operation, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol.
• The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spills at sea.
• Indigenously built by L&T Ship Building Limited.
• It is fitted with advanced technology radars, navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machinery capable of operating in tropical sea conditions
• The vessel is armed with a 40/60 Bofors gun and fitted with two 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote Control Gun with fire control system
• Advance Light Helicopter’(ALH) manufactured by HAL can be operated on this ship.

The need

• Specific threats to maritime security – piracy, terrorism, illicit trafficking of arms and narcotics, human trafficking, illegal fishing and damage to environment.
• The ship, on joining the Coast Guard Eastern fleet, will be deployed extensively for EEZ surveillance and other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard Charter to safeguard the country’s maritime interests. 
• The Indian Ocean region, where more than two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments take place, one-third of bulk cargo and more than half of container traffic, serves as a key route in achieving the world’s own interests.

To read about ALH and Coast guard: https://officerspulse.com/indian-coast-guard-icg/

References:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-has-great-scope-to-become-indigenous-ship-building-hub-defence-minister-rajnath-singh/article36149432.ece/amp/
2. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1749276