Indian Coast Guard DG Rakesh Pal passes away due to heart attack in Chennai
New Delhi/Chennai, Aug 18: Director General of Indian Coast Guard Rakesh Pal, who played a key role in boosting his force's operational prowess, passed away at a hospital in Chennai on Sunday following a cardiac arrest, officials said.
Pal had taken charge as the 25th Indian Coast Guard (ICG) chief on July 19 last year.
The officer, who was to attend an ICG event along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital (RGGH) after he complained of chest pain.
"Deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard in Chennai today," the defence minister said on 'X'.
"He was an able and committed officer under whose leadership ICG was making big strides in strengthening India's maritime security. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family," he said.
Singh also visited the hospital where he paid respects to Pal.
The officer, who was an ardent music lover and an avid sports enthusiast, hailed from Uttar Pradesh. He is survived by wife Dipa Pal and two daughters.
Arrangements are being made to bring his mortal remains to Delhi, the officials cited above said.
Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane described Pal as "an able and committed officer" and said under his leadership the Coast Guard was making huge strides in strengthening India's maritime security.
Under Pal's apex supervision, the ICG carried out many major operations that included seizure of drugs and narcotic substances and gold worth crores of rupees.
In his distinguished career spanning over 34 years, the flag officer had held several key appointments on the sea and ashore. Prominent among them were Commander Coast Guard Region (North West), Deputy Director General (Policy and Plans) and Additional Director General at Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi.
He also held various prestigious staff assignments namely Director (Infra and Works) and Principal Director (Administration) at Coast Guard headquarters.
Pal was known for having a vast sea experience and commanded all class of Indian Coast Guard ships namely Samarth, Vijit, Sucheta Kriplani, Ahalyabai and C-03.
The officer also commanded two Coast Guard Base of forward area in Gujarat that is Okha and Vadinar.
He was elevated to the rank of additional director general in February 2022 and appointed as additional director general at Coast Guard headquarters.
Pal was an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy and joined Indian Coast Guard in January 1989.
He had undergone professional specialisation in gunnery and weapons system at Indian Naval School Dronacharya, Kochi and electro-optics fire control solution course from the United Kingdom.
The officer also held the recognition of being the first gunner of Indian Coast Guard.
For his illustrious service, he had been conferred with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, President Tatrakshak Medal and Tatrakshak Medal for distinguished service.
Deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard in Chennai today. He was an able and committed officer under whose leadership ICG was making big strides in strengthening India’s maritime security. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 18, 2024
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Heavy rain, hailstorms likely to lash Uttarakhand on Tuesday; IMD issues warning
Dehradun/Pithoragarh (PTI): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rain and hailstorms across several districts of Uttarakhand on Tuesday, as temperatures remained markedly below normal in the region.
Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. Most places across all districts are expected to receive light to moderate rain or thunderstorms, while higher reaches are likely to witness snowfall, officials said on Monday.
The weather department warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail and intense spells of rain in six districts, including Dehradun and Nainital. Gusty winds with speeds reaching 40-50 kmph are also expected at isolated locations in these areas and other hilly districts.
In the state capital, Dehradun, the sky is forecast to remain partly cloudy with light rain and thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 30-40 kmph.
The maximum and minimum temperatures in the city are expected to hover around 31 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Maximum temperatures during the past 24 hours remained markedly below normal in the hills and appreciably below normal in the plains. While no significant change in temperature is expected over the next 2-3 days, the IMD predicts a rise of 3-5 degrees Celsius during the subsequent 3-4 days.
Rainfall was recorded in several areas after 8.30 am today, with Ramnagar receiving 31.5 mm and Nainital recording 26.5 mm. Other areas, including Pithoragarh, Khatima and Champawat, also reported moderate precipitation.
Authorities have stopped a batch of 36 Adi Kailash pilgrims at the Dharchula base camp and placed the high-altitude yatra route on high alert following heavy rains and hailstorms in the district on Monday.
Dharchula SDM Ashish Joshi said the pilgrimage was halted due to adverse weather conditions. The issuance of new inner-line passes has been suspended until the weather normalises.
With 1,700 passes issued so far, pilgrims already at higher camps are being monitored for safety, the official added.
