Defence Secy inaugurates infrastructure for Hovercraft Maintenance Unit at Okha

New Delhi, Mar 29 Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane visited the Indian Coast Guard facilities in the North West Region and inaugurated the infrastructure for the Hovercraft Maintenance Unit (HMU) at Okha.

The Defence Secretary during his two-day visit on Thursday and Friday, was briefed about the upcoming 200 mtr ICG Jetty Construction work at Okha.

He appreciated the role played by ICG, in safeguarding national maritime interests in its area of responsibility, an official statement said here today.

The hovercrafts are based at Okha and Jakhau for maintaining surveillance in 50 Islands in the Area of Responsibility (AoR), Gulf of Kutch, in the shallow water and marshy terrain along the coast of Gujarat.

The field facility for HMU will enable timely technical support, upkeep and maintenance of these hovercrafts which in turn will ensure optimum operational availability and keep them in ever ready state to meet any operational requirement. HMU facilities comprise of ACV parking for technical assistance, office building, workshop and maintenance area.

Meanwhile, Gayatri Aramane on Friday inaugurated the Coast Guard OTM and Married Accommodation at Inaz Village Veraval.

The Coast Guard Residential Area (CGRA) at Inaz Village Veraval includes 60 Nos of Married Accommodations, an all-weather Helipad, living Accommodations for Subordinate Officers and Naviks, a Parade Ground, and a Mess.

The presence of a helipad adds a strategic advantage to various operations in Veraval that includes addressing maritime emergencies, search and rescue missions, and surveillance activities.