IN braces up to protect Gujarat's economy

Gujarat is vital and strategic from the point of view of national security, its economic strength and what role Indian Navy plays in safeguarding the state in totality, said Naval Officer Incharge of Gujarat State, Commodore Uttpal Vora.

Indian Navy is ready to combat any external aggression, on the key and vital industrial establishments set-up on the coastal belt of the state, if any need arises in future, proclaimmed Commodore Vora, while interacting with the media in Rajkot.

He was on a three-day visit to attain the occassion of Naval Arms Exhibition scheduled from Wednesday to Friday. The exhibition is the part of Gujarat State Government's 57th Republic Day celebrations schedule in the city, this year.

Further he explained that most of the strength of Gujarat comes from its economic prosperity, the kind of economic assets and vital industrial establishments which are spread across the coastal belt of the state including the refineries and other maritime infrastructure, runs in several thousand crore . He also added that one can understand that it greatly contributes into the economic prosperity of the nation and once it contributes in to the economic prosperity of the nation, the armed forces will view it in a particular fashion or manner, and will have a special attachment for the state.

Since it's a very significant frontline state due to its maritime importance and its geo-stratagic location, it has added significance in the national security dynamics; which prevails in the region - as 70 per cent of imported oil that passes through the Gulf of Kutch and therefore safety-security of this vital cargo is of paramount importance not only to Navy, but to the nation also, he added.

Commodore Vora made a presentation highlighting what are the core job-functions of Indian Navy during peace-time and in hostility hours.

He also highlighted the details of geographical stretch of Gujarat under INS vigil and infrastructures. Expertise Indian Navy is laced with to safeguard the coastal spread of the nation.

"Almost 1,600 kilometers of coastal stretch of Gujarat starting right from Seer Creek in north till Hazira in South, with key industrial installations and 41 ports is under constant vigil of Indian Navy with its activities centered at Porbandar Port and Okha Port in Gujarat," he said.

According to him, they work round the clock with our fixed responsibilities during peace-time and in time of hostility safeguarding the national security interests," explained Commodore Vora.

"We had ports buzzing with activities, but slowly and gradually we are moving away from there and maritime tradition of the state of Gujarat is almost lost," said Vora.