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Navy's 'Sea Bird' fails to take off

A stalemate seems to have arisen over Asia's biggest sophisticated naval base project, Sea Bird, which is pending for the last 12 years.

Talking to newsmen after a meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister J H Patel and local representatives, Defence Minister George Fernandes said he came to the site in Karwar, Karnataka, thinking the project was ready to take off shortly. But the outcome of his talks revealed there was a stalemate because of various demands.

"I am going back with a bit of disappointment. But I will try my best to see that the project is started very soon," Fernandes said.

Sea Bird, involving Rs 250 billion in two phases, would turn Karwar into the naval headquarters of the country from the security point of view, according to the defence minister. It would, he added, pave way for employment, and the entire coastal belt would be humming with activity.

Asked what the impediments were, Fernandes said there were quite a few at the local level. There were certain demands that needed to be settled, including a rehabilitation package for the locals. Besides, there was no clear picture about the allocation of funds.

The Centre would initially invest Rs 5.8 billion, Fernandes said.

Patel, for his part, said he pinned his hopes on the defence minister. He was confident that Fernandes would find a way to ensure 'early implementation.'

He said he discussed issues like compensation for land and housing, and employment opportunity to the locals with the defence minister.

UNI

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