PORBANDAR: A strategically important new Naval base--INS Sardar Patel--was today commissioned here, which Navy chief R K Dhowan said will help boost security of Gujarat's 1600-km coastline.
The base was commissioned by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, who used the occasion to mount an attack on the earlier UPA government, accusing it of ignoring the security concerns on the state coastline.
Patel unveiled the plaque and read the commissioning warrant of the new base which is second in the state for the Indian Navy after INS Dwarka near Okha.
Speaking at the event, Dhowan said the new base will help Gujarat strengthen security on its coastline.
"Gujarat is a thriving maritime state, which has 1600 km long coastline. The state has 43 private and public ports which has contribution of 50 pet cent in country's maritime industries. Around 120 million tonnes crude reaches various refineries in Gujarat from the Gulf of Kutch," Dhowan told reporters on board Naval ship INS Kolkata.
"Besides, Gujarat has also a blooming ship building industry that comprises both the public and private ship yards. There are big fishing companies and also there are off-shore oil development area in sea blocks in Gujarat coast," said Dhowan.
"These are our sea properties which has direct relations with economical 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 aircraft 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 Dhowan.
Noting that Gujarat's long coastline was important from the strategic point of view, the Chief Minister 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 weapon."
"Last month, Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy apprehended a suspected ship with narcotics substance of Rs 600 crore. We have to remain alert on the issue of coastal security," she said. She also hailed the initiative of naming the base after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
"It is the matter of pride not only for 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.