Karwar: Union Minister AK Antony Inaugurates Defence Civilian Township

Karwar, May 23: Union minister A K Antony inaugurated the Integrated Defence Civilian Township at Amadalli, here, on Saturday May 22. Completion of this township marked the culmination of major infrastructure works in Phase-1 of 'Project Seabird'. The township comprises of 336 modern dwelling units of various sizes for married defence civilians along with associated power supply and water distribution networks and a sewage treatment plant. An estate office, a community centre, a shopping complex, a bank and post office complex, and various sports facilities have also been constructed as part of the integrated township.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the township, Antony said that the culmination of Phase-1of the project heralds the commencement of Phase-2. "The sanction for Phase-2 is under consideration by the union government. The government is committed to developing the naval base with state-of-the-art technologies. The rehabilitation package and infrastructure such as road, drainage, and electricity have been provided at a cost of Rs 127 crore", he said. "As much as 60 percent of the people working at Seabird Base are locals", he added. He stated that pending issues such as hike in compensation to affected families will also be considered favorably.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, flag officer commanding-in-chief Western Naval Command Vice Admiral DK Joshi and the director general Seabird Project Rear Admiral CS Murthy were present on the occasion.

In 1985, the government accepted the strategic necessity for setting up a naval base here under Project Seabird. Work on the first phase of development of the base commenced in 2000 after possession of the required land was handed over to the Project. Over a period of 10 years, the navy has constructed a state-of-the-art modern naval base for operation, maintenance, and support of its frontline warships. The facilities include construction of a breakwater to provide a tranquil harbour, jetty for berthing of ships and submarines, a ship-lift capable of lifting large ships, various repair, maintenance and logistic facilities for support of ships, a 140-bed modern hospital, a Naval Armament Depot and a Missile Technical Position. In addition, quality accommodation, modern amenities keeping with the times, well-planned schools, sports and recreational facilities of international standards for approximately 3000 uniformed and civilian personnel and their families, have also been provided.

The naval base, named INS Kadamba, was commissioned on May 31, 2005 by the then defence minister Pranab Mukherjee and since then has been fully operational with a sizable number of ships based there. Other support facilities were progressively developed. Over the last two years, the Navy has concurrently drawn up the infrastructure augmentation plan for the next ten years i.e. till 2021 under Phase 2 of the Project in keeping with its long term strategic perspective plans. A comprehensive detailed project report has been drawn up for this purpose and government sanction is currently being examined by the union ministry of defence.