VASCO, SEPT 27
Aware of growing public resentment over its move to acquire islands off the Baina coast, Navy has, however, maintained that the acquisition is purely for security purpose.
Speaking to Herald, Navy PRO Commander M C Joshi assured that people who have raised concern over the acquisition of Pequeno and Grande Islands need not worry since the acquisition of islands is merely for security purpose.
“People have apprehension that once islands are acquired, then they will be restrained from going to the shrine, which is located at Grande Island,” said Joshi.
“Similarly, there is apprehension among boat owners and water sports operators that they will not be allowed to take tourists for the islands trip. All these things could be incorporated after discussion with the State government in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Navy,” stated Joshi.
He said the MoU could incorporate apprehensions of the people and if the State government is willing, such MoU can be inked.
He was then reminded of a similar agreement inked in 1987, when the State government handed over Anjediva Island near Karwar to the Navy.
The government had asked the Navy to ensure that pilgrims would be allowed to visit the Our Lady of Springs Church at the Island on the feast day on February 2 every year.
However, the Navy has unilaterally stopped pilgrims from visiting the Anjediva Island since 2005.
"I am not aware of the facts about Anjediva Island, but the acquisition of the islands off the Baina coast won’t harm interests of the people," said Joshi.
When asked if the proposed fishing harbour near Pequeno Island of Katem-Baina shore would pose a similar "security" threat, he said the fishing harbour would not be a threat since it would be away from Pequeno Island.
“The Navy agreed to allow a fishing jetty only after the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) agreed that effective bird-hit control measures are put in place once harbour is in operation,” said Joshi.
He said both security and tourism prospective should be looked after, as these islands could be safe haven for terrorists, who will use the sea route to accomplish its mission.
“Since these islands are close to approach way of airfield and run way, one could easily target aircraft standing at Pequeno Island, as aircrafts are at a close distance from ground level,” he said.
When reminded that residential and commercial structures close to the runway could also pose a similar threat, he said: “Since Alto-Dabolim area is a residential area, there are less possibilities that terror elements could hide in such places.”
“Suspicious activities in such places will not be hidden from the people,” added Joshi.
He further said since the islands are unmanned, there is a need to ensure that it is manned properly to avoid any threat aspects.
Responding to a query that the Navy could beef up security by deploying security personnel on islands without the need to acquire islands, Joshi replied: “Will private owners of islands allow us station security personnel or to erect naval battery, guns and other armament on islands without acquisition?”
It may be recalled that St Jorge comprises three islands, two Grande and one Pequeno. One Grande Island is owned by the State Government and the other by Navy (Ministry of Defence) and the Pequeno Island is owned by a private party.