VASCO: Flag Officer of Goa Naval Area, Rear Admiral Puneet Bhal, has stated that the islands off Baina’s coasts could pose a serious threat to flight operations, both civil and defence, at Dabolim airport as the takeoff and landing path of the aircrafts is just over these islands. He said that it is important to monitor the islands to avoid untoward incidents.
Bhal was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 44th Navy Day celebrations at INS Gomantak on Friday. Surprisingly, no state leader attended the function despite being invited.
“Time and again, the navy has been talking about maintaining security at all three islands – St George Island, Small Grande and Large Grande – located off Baina’s coast. We should understand that threats will not come after announcements, but can come anytime. Today, aircrafts are flying out of INS Hansa at Dabolim, and the take-off and landing path of these aircrafts is just over these islands. Small Grande is with us, while the other two islands are not. Also, these days, threat perception has increased many-fold. Anybody can come with shoulder-launch missiles or surveillance and can know our movements by sitting on the island,” said Bhal.
When asked whether the navy still has plans to take over these islands, he said, “No. As long as our interest is looked after, we don’t press for the same. Definitely, we would be very happy if those islands can be made safe. The navy would be interested to look after security aspects if these islands are given to the navy, but all this depends on approvals of national and state-level talks. If it does not happen, the least one can do is safeguard the islands, which could develop a threat anytime. But the navy is aware of these threats and we keep monitoring the situation very closely.”
Regarding complaints that Khariwado fishermen were harassed by the navy during the latter’s annual event at one of the Grande islands last week, Bhal stated, “Let me first say that the navy is for the locals and the locals are for us. We enjoy a wonderful relationship and Goans are very supporting people. The issue which took place last week was due to a communication gap.”
Once a year, these people get together. Normally we get intimation from them about their visit, but unfortunately there was a communication gap this time. Rest assured, next time we will be more than happy to accommodate them.
