Defence Secretary Inaugurates Key Coast Guard Facilities in North West Region

Gujarat: Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane conducted a two-day visit to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) facilities in the North West Region on March 28 and 29, 2024. During his visit, he inaugurated crucial infrastructure, including the Hovercraft Maintenance Unit (HMU) at Okha on March 28, and the Coast Guard Officers’ Training Mess and Married Accommodation at Inaz Village, Veraval, on March 29.

The Defence Secretary also received briefings on the upcoming construction work of the 200-meter ICG Jetty at Okha. He commended the Indian Coast Guard for its role in safeguarding national maritime interests in its area of responsibility.

The hovercrafts stationed at Okha and Jakhau play a vital role in maintaining surveillance over 50 islands in the Area of Responsibility (AoR) in the Gulf of Kutch. The newly inaugurated Hovercraft Maintenance Unit (HMU) at Okha will ensure timely technical support, upkeep, and maintenance of these hovercrafts, enhancing their operational availability and readiness to meet any operational requirement. The HMU facilities include ACV parking for technical assistance, an office building, workshop, and maintenance area.

The Coast Guard Residential Area (CGRA) at Inaz Village, Veraval, comprises 60 married accommodations, an all-weather helipad, living accommodations for subordinate officers and Naviks, a parade ground, and a mess. The helipad enhances the strategic advantage for various operations in Veraval, including maritime emergencies, search and rescue missions, and surveillance activities.

The Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North West) was established in Gandhinagar on December 16, 2009. It executes the ICG’s mandated charter in maritime zones in Gujarat, Daman & Diu.

In addition to the recently inaugurated Jetty at Vadinar, the ICG is constructing a 100-meter jetty extension at Porbandar and a 125-meter jetty at Mundra, along with the 200-meter jetty at Okha.