Goa to rope in ex-Navy officers to assist marine police

PTI, May 20, 2010, 01.59pm IST
PANAJI: The Goa government has decided to rope in former defence officers to guide its marine police force, armed with sophisticated boats to man the coast.

“We do not have trained manpower to handle such boats. We will have to be dependent on ex-officers of Indian Navy or Indian coast guard for the guidance,” chief secretary Sanjay Srivastava said.

“Officers can be employed with the special police unit for two to three years. The marine police will work in tandem with the Navy and coast guard to safeguard the state coastline, where vigil has been stepped up after 26/11 and recent terror alerts,” he said.

Srivastava was talking to the media after taking possession of a high-speed interceptor boat, constructed by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL).

The boat which is the fifth to be acquired by Goa has been provided under an initiative of the Union Home Ministry to strengthen coastal security.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Ravindra Yadav said the need for these boats was felt after the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai when coastal security was breached.

“The basic responsibility of marine police is to use these boats to ensure there was no sea-bound terror attack and also detect and stop smuggling and other illegal activities,” he said.
Goa to rope in ex-Navy officers to assist marine police: Times of India

Stranded ship (the "River Princess") at Calangute Beach, Goa. The ship stranded in 2000 during an unexpected storm. Photo: Soman

Lowest bid for Princess's removal is Rs 108 crore
TNN, May 22, 2010, 01.51am IST
PANAJI: Getting rid of the grounded River Princess may now cost the state at least Rs 100 crore. When tourism department on Friday opened the financial bids of the two companies left in the fray for removing the grounded vessel, Goa-based Madgavkar Salvage was found to have submitted the lowest bid for Rs 108 crore.

"Madgavkar has submitted a financial bid of Rs 98 crore plus 10% tax. That works out to Rs 108 crore," tourism director Nikhil Desai told TOI.

Desai, however, said he was unable to provide details of the financial tender submitted by Madgavkar's competitors, US-based Titan Salvage.

"Titan Salvage has quoted higher. However, it does not mean that we have awarded the tender to any one of the bidders. We are yet to scrutinize Titan's bid," the tourism director said.

The decision on who gets the contract to get rid of River Princess lies with the Goa State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), which will meet shortly.
Lowest bid for Princess's removal is Rs 108 crore

Indian Navy inducts MiG-29K carrier borne aircraft

The 19th day of Feb 2010, was marked with the take off of the Indian Navy’s new fighter aircraft - the MiG-29K with it’s full afterburners. The new fighter displayed its agility by breaking into an almost vertical climb within seconds after take off. This was part of the ceremony to formally induct MiG-29K ’Air Dominance Fighter’ aircraft, into the Indian Navy. The grand ceremony to formally induct the aircraft into the Indian Navy was held at INS Hansa, Vasco da Gama, Goa. The Raksha Mantri, Shri AK Anthony, was the Chief Guest for the ceremony. The might of Naval Aviation was on display- both in the air and on ground. In addition to the MiG-29K itself, the air display included a grand fly-past comprising of Sea Harrier, Ilyushin-38 (Sea Dragon), Chetak, Kiran and Dornier. The Sagar Pawan Aerobatic team also displayed its prowess in various breathtaking formation aerobatic manoeuvres.
Navy inducts MiG-29K carrier borne aircraft
Indian Navy to induct four 'lethal' MiG-29K into its fleet

IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- sixty fourth day

Dear Colleagues,
Bawal (Haryana) contingent continues to keep Jantar Mantar venue under their charge.
New Members (NOIDA). We heartfully welcome the following new members:
1. Hav Dharam Pal
2. Hav avtar singh
3. Hony Sub Maj JS Panwar
4. Lt Col Som Prakash
5. Col Ajit Datta
6. Col MP Singh
7. Lt Col Mangat Rai
8. Lt Col M K Satija
9. Lt col(Mrs) J Bhakuni
10. Brig SP Mehta
Surrender of Medals
Medals are being collected in good number for handing over to Rashtrapati Bhawan on 21 Feb.
Our senior veteran from 1st JSW course, Lt Gen Satish Bahri, also deposited his medals today.
I am sure his action will inspire many others who are still undecided.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan
Chairman IESM

Goa Veterans
Report from Goa: 08 Feb 2009
Dear Colleagues
Jai hind
I am sending a report from Goa. An ex- servicemen get together was organised in Goa at two locations, Nusi Maritime Academy and IPSHEM(ONGC). IESM objectives and memorandum was discussed. All exservicemen have extended their unconditional support for the movement. Many are yet to know their pension and their dues. Membership forms were issued and the need to unite was explained. A total of 28 exservicemen attended the meet. We have decided to meet again at a convenient date. Orop was explained. I have registered members who have submitted the membership forms along with the cheque. I will post it to you when I collect a significant number. Thank you and God bless you.
Vien Azavedo, Goa