Navy steps up vigil in all minor ports in state

01 October 2012 | Kochi

 

In a bid to step up surveillance across the 590 kilometer (km) long Kerala coastline, the Indian Navy has decided to bring the 14 minor ports in the state under its operational ambit. Unlike the Kochi port, which is under the ministry of shipping, these ports come under the state government and are administered directly by the director of ports based at the state capital.

At present, under the director of ports, there are three regional offices at Neendakara, Alappuzha and Kozhikode. Apart from 14 minor ports (Vizhinjam, Valiyathura, Thankasserry, Kayamkulam, Manakkodam, Munambam, Ponnani, Beypore, Vadakara, Thalassery, Manjeswaram, Neeleswaram, Kannur, Azhikkal and Kasaragod), there are three (Neendakara, Alappuzha and Kozhikode) intermediate ports in the state.

Navy sources said warships based at the southern naval command will call on and augment their presence in these ports. Initially, the vessels will focus on ports like Azhikkal, Ponnani, Beypore and Kollam in addition to Vizhinjam.

“To begin with, the ports will be equipped with facilities for fuel and freshwater supply to naval ships. A discussion is already on between the state government and the southern naval command on increasing the presence of navy in these ports," said a Navy officer.

The survey ships of the Navy have made a detailed survey of some of these ports and readied the nautical charts to facilitate easy navigation. Two fast attack crafts of the southern naval command — INS Kalpeni and INS Kabra — have already launched their operations from the minor ports. Apart from the Navy, the Coast Guard has also established its base at Vizhinjam and Beypore ports.