Navy in process to obtain NOC on Grandy & Pikini Islands

VASCO, SEPT 22
Flag Officer of Goa Naval Area Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai stated that Indian Navy is in the process to obtain No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State government to acquire Grandy and Pikini Islands in the Arabian Sea off Baina Coast to avoid security threat to airfield and runway approaches of Dabolim airport.
Speaking to media, Pillai said Navy is in the process to obtain NOC from the State government to acquire few portions of both the islands that are under the possession of the State government and private owners.
“Securing both the islands, Grandy and Pikini, which are closely located to the approach way of runway and airfield of Dabolim airport, is important to secure the islands to avoid security threats to the aircrafts,” said Admiral Pillai.
He further informed that the State government would look into all security aspects over acquisition of islands, while the District Collector South Goa has given suggestion on the acquisition and the Ministry of Defence has agreed over the acquisition.
“Indian Navy has created a new force called the Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB) to protect Naval bases and border the coastline areas. SPB will comprise 1,000 personnel and will have 80 fast interception crafts for sea front patrolling, while five fast interception crafts would be stationed in Goa shortly for coast security,” he said.
“The process is in progress to strengthen the radar chain to improve communication between the ships and officers and similarly with other security agencies,” said Pillai.
The islands located off the Baina coast were partly acquired by the Navy during its inception in Goa, while few portions are owned by a private owner and the State government.
The Pikini Island is located barely one kilometer from Katem-Baina shore, while the Grandy Island, where major tourism activities for scuba diving takes place, besides other activities like picnics, would be around 5 kms off Baina shore.
The Grandy Island has a watch tower on top of the island and a dilapidated Portuguese era bridge.
Since the Island is strategically located in the Arabian Sea for warfare activities, Navy officials are regularly posted. The island also has a small temple and a cross, which are worshiped annually during ‘Tulshi Lagin’ festival by both the Catholics and Hindu fisher folk community.