Union Minister of State for Shipping (I/C) and Chemical and fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya bid adieu to Ex-INS Viraat in a ceremony at Alang in Gujarat today. INS Viraat which was decommissioned from the Indian Navy after 30 years of glorious service, reached Alang for recycling.
In his address, Shri Mandaviya said Viraat is longest serving warship which served the nation for 30 years in the Indian Navy. He added that Viraat’s services do not end here, as Viraat has been brought to the home of one of the world’s largest ship breaking destination i.e Alang. Here, it will provide employment to thousands of people, the Minister said.The minister said that proposals for converting Viraat into a museum has been received, but it was neither backed by any firm studies nor was financially viable. He also added that the government is planning in advance this time so that the INS ship which will be decommissioned in future, can be converted into museum.The minister also reiterated about creating the state of the art maritime museum at the Lothal, to recreate the history of Harappan civilization.
The Minister said that to create bigger markets for ships recycling industry, India has acceded to ‘Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009’ on 28th November, 2019 and passed the ‘The Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019’. Accession to Hong Kong Convention by India and enactment of Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 raised the profile of our ship recycling industry as being environment friendly and safety conscious and would go a long way in consolidating India’s position as the market leader, he added.Shri Mandaviya said that it will also ensure adequate safety of the yard workers, along with boosting employment and business opportunities.
Shri Bhupendra Singh Chudasama, Education Minister, Government of Gujarat, SmtVibhavariben Dave, MLA, Gujarat, Shri Purvir Das, NM Naval commanding officer, Porbandar along with other dignitaries were also present at the occasion.
