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Last-ditch attempt to save Vikrant

Swati Kulkarni in Bombay

"The state government would make a last ditch effort to save the decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Vikrant from going to the scrap yard," said Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal.

The central government has already invited tenders for scrapping the warship by July 6. Bhujbal said the process would take another two months, which is the time the state government has to make one last bid to save the ship. The state government is considering calling an all-party meet on the issue.

Naval personnel are understandably upset. Speaking to newspersons, Flag Officer, Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Madhvendra Singh said: "The Maharashtra government has expressed its inability to execute the project because of various constraints. We in the Navy are all emotionally attached to the ship and it is very hurting that it is being auctioned."

Apparently, the over Rs 750 million project to convert the ship into a museum fell through over the issue of a site for berthing the aircraft carrier which had played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

The Indian Navy had indicated that the Jamshed Bunder was the most appropriate site. However, fishermen have voiced their opposition to the proposal. Speaking to newspersons at Mantralaya on Monday, Bhujbal disclosed that the government would speak to the fishermen and find a solution.

Not any site will do for the Vikrant. The ship is 700 feet long and requires water up to a depth of at least 20 feet to be berthed. A dry dock would be necessary to prevent rusting due to the saline seawater. The site will have to be easily accessible for potential visitors to the museum.

The Navy had earlier suggested a place adjacent to the Radio Club, Colaba in south Bombay. It was ruled out following objections from the Mumbai Port Trust and local fishermen.

The INS Vikrant joined the Indian Navy in 1961. The 14,557 tonne aircraft carrier was decommissioned on January 31, 1997. It was to be transformed into a war memorial and maritime museum by the state government with financial assistance from some corporate houses.

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