DGLL to launch AIS for Tracking vessels

 

KANDLA: One of the most important national scheme of Vessel Traffic Service of the Gulf of Kachchh, VTS-GoK was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of Shipping, Mr. G. K. Vasan, on Monday, 13th. Feb. at Master Control Centre Complex – Kandla.

 

To grace the inaugural ceremony, the dignitaries present were Mrs. Poonamben Jat, MP, Kachchh, Dr.(Mrs.) Nimaben Acharya, MLA, Anjar, Mr. Babubhai Meghji Shah, MLA, Rapar, Capt. A.M. Surej, D.G., Lighthouses and Lightships, Capt. Sagi, Nautical Advisor, Govt. of India, Dr. P. D. Vaghela, Chairman, K.P.T., Mr. Rajeev Gupta, Chairman, 

Mumbai Port Trust.

 

The VTS system has been built at the cost of Rs. 165 Crores(with 50% contribution of DGLL, 25% each by K.P.T. and G.M.B.) and will cover coastal area of 800 KM. at 22 sites, from Koteshwar near Sir Creek to Okha, on the Saurashtra coast and will cater to the need of the entire ports of Gulf of Kachchh. This is one of the largest systems in the world presently catering to requirements of 6 ports with capability of extension to 10 other ports. However the Vessel advisory is available to all the vessels plying in the entire Gulf.

 

Vasan informed that apart from 6 Port Monitor Stations, the Indian Navy has been provided with monitoring set up at Okha and the Coast Guard at Okha and Jakhau. With completion of the scheme, an orderly traffic in the Gulf would be ensured which will reduce risk to human lives, severity of accidents and environmental pollution in these strategic and congested waterways.

 

Addressing a huge gathering, comprising of Officers, technical as well as admn. Staff of Lighthouses & Lightships, K.P.T., Customs, heads of the various Associations, G’dham Chamber of Commerce etc.,Mr. G.K.Vasan congratulated the entire construction and installation team of DGLL in completing the work.

 

He also congratulated the Contractors M/s. Telecommunication Consultant India Ltd., New-Delhi, M/s. Holland Institute of Traffic Technology, the Netherland and M/s. M.L. Dalmiya & Co., Kolkata.

 

Briefing about the system and DGLL, Shri Vasan said “Shipping plays an important role in the transport sector of our economy, where, approximately, 95% of the country’s trade by volume is moved by sea. Today’s technological savvy lighthouses play an important role in guiding the vessels and facilitating this most important economy. With completion of the scheme, an orderly traffic in the entire Gulf of Kachchh will be ensured, which will reduce risk to human lives, severity of accidents and environmental pollution in most strategic & congested waterways of the Gulf of Kachchh.  This will also help in improving waterways & harbour management, increase shipping efficiency and above all help regulatory authorities and security agencies in detecting unlawful and anti-national activities.”

 

“Lighthouses are being used for establishment of Radar net-work, combined together this will form the most formidable surveillance net-work, which will help in easily identifying unfriendly vessels” He added and wished Capt. Surej, DGLL and his team all the best in this endeavour.

 

He assured of his best possible assistance for welfare measures to the staff and their families of DGLL, who are posted at odd locations, where basic amenities are at its primitive state and due to that they suffer extreme hardships. DGLL is tasked with providing state-of-the-art aids to navigation facilities along the Indian Coastline and also in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. In this endeavour they maintain 181 lighthouses, 64 Radar Beacons, 23 DGPS stations and 25 deep navigation and wreck working bouys.

 

Capt. Surej, D.G., Lighthouses and lightships, in his welcome speech, explained in details about the salient features of the project, shared his work experience and the hurdles faced by them in finishing this mammoth task.

 

Dr. P.D. Vaghela, Chairman, K.P.T. expressed his feelings. “ We are proud to be partner with G.M.B., in this very important security system project, not only for India, but Asia.” he said.

 

Mrs. Poonamben Jat, MP, Kachchh, Dr.(Mrs.) Nimaben Acharya, MLA, Anjar, Mr. Babubhai Meghji Shah, MLA, Rapar also spoke on the occasion and expressed pride at the commissioning of this prestigious project of Gok.