INS Sardar Patel was commissioned in Porbandar, which is a strategically important new Naval base that will help to boost security of Gujarat’s 1600-km coastline, Navy chief R.K. Dhowan said. Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel commissioned the base and attacked the earlier UPA government, accusing of ignoring the security concerns on the state coastline. Chief Minister unveiled the plaque and read the commissioning warrant of the new base. This is the second in the state of the Indian Navy after INS Dwarka near Okha.
“Gujarat is a thriving maritime state, which has 1600 km long coastline. The state has 43 private and public ports which have contribution of 50 per cent in country’s maritime industries. Around 120 million tonnes crude reaches various refineries in Gujarat from the Gulf of Kutch,” Mr. Dhowan told reporters who were on board INS Kolkata. “Besides, Gujarat has also a blooming shipbuilding industry that comprises both the public and private shipyards. There are big fishing companies and also there is offshore oil development area in sea blocks in Gujarat coast,” said Dhowan. “These are our sea properties which have direct relations with the economic condition of Gujarat and the country as well, he added.
“Navy has responsibility to protect our sea borders. Today, we have commissioned INS Sardar Patel, that will ensure coordination requirements of our ships, submarines and aircrafts, that will be deployed in coastal regions of Gujarat. Their operational and administrative support and logistic support will be given by the new base,” said Mr. Dhowan. “Coastal security requirements of Gujarat will be fulfilled in coordination with other state-based maritime security agencies,” Mr. Dhowan said.
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel said “Congress governments ignored coastal security of Gujarat during their regime and ultimately, the coastal border of the state was used in anti-national activities like terrorism, smuggling of drugs and weapons. Last month, Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy apprehended a suspected ship with narcotic substance of Rs. 600 crore. We have to remain alert, on the issue of coastal security,” she said. “It is the matter of pride not only in Gujarat but also for India as a Naval base has been named after Sardar Patel at the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi,” the CM said.
By Premji
