Rajnath Singh commissions ICG's 1st indigenously built pollution control vessel 'Samudra Pratap'
Panaji (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) first indigenously designed and built pollution control vessel 'Samudra Pratap' in Goa on Monday.
The 114.5-metre vessel, built by the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), has over 60 per cent of indigenous content. The 4,200-tonne vessel boasts a speed of more than 22 knots and an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles, officials said.
It will serve as a critical platform for enforcing marine pollution control regulations, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and safeguarding India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
As the largest and most advanced pollution control vessel built in India, Samudra Pratap stands as a testament to the nation's shipbuilding excellence and long-term vision for a cleaner, safer, and self-reliant maritime future, the ICG said in a statement.
The vessel was formally delivered in December to the Coast Guard at GSL.
Defence Minister Singh on Monday commissioned the ship at GSL, Vasco, in South Goa.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani were present on the occasion.
Singh said this occasion is connected to India's great maritime vision.
"India believes that marine resources are not the property of any one country; they are the shared heritage of humanity," he said.
"When heritage is shared, its responsibility is also shared. This is why India has today become a responsible maritime power," he added.
Singh noted that Samudra Pratap is India's first indigenously designed pollution control vessel.
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"It is the largest vessel in the Coast Guard fleet to date," he said.
More than 60 per cent indigenous material has been used in it. "In itself, this is a strong step forward in the direction of a self-reliant India. The true meaning of 'Make in India' is visible in projects like this," he said.
Singh said that "even in such a complex platform, we have achieved this level of indigenous content, which shows that our defence industrial ecosystem has now become quite mature."
"But it needs to become even more mature. I want not just 60 per cent, but up to 90 per cent indigenous content in our ships. This is our endeavour," he commented
India has achieved such capabilities in defence manufacturing that today it is able to handle even complex challenges related to manufacturing, he said.
Singh said that in recent years, marine pollution has been seen emerging as a serious challenge.
"It is obvious that as marine pollution increases, it will affect the livelihood of fishermen, the future of coastal communities, and the safety of our coming generations," he pointed out.
Singh also said that ensuring adequate participation of women is the goal of their government.
"I am happy that, keeping this vision in mind, the Coast Guard has given due attention to women's empowerment. This is a matter of pride for us," he said.
He noted that women officers have been appointed to important responsibilities such as pilot, observer, air traffic controller, and logistics officer.
"Not only this, they are being trained for hovercraft operations. They are being actively deployed in frontline operations. Today, women are not only in support roles, but are also serving as front-line warriors," he said.
The commissioning of 'Samudra Pratap' marks a major step forward in India's pursuit of 'atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in shipbuilding and maritime capability development, the ICG said.
Samudra Pratap, meaning Majesty of the Seas, reflects the Indian Coast Guard's resolve to ensure safe, secure and clean seas while safeguarding the nation's maritime interests. The ship represents a major advancement in indigenous ship design and construction, it said.
The vessel has been entirely conceived, designed, and built in India with over 60 per cent indigenous content.
Measuring 114.5 meters in length and 16.5 meters in beam, the ship can achieve speeds exceeding 22 knots and is equipped with advanced automation and computerised control systems, underscoring India's growing capability in complex shipbuilding, the ICG said.
Displacing approximately 4,200 tons, the ship is powered by two 7,500 kW diesel engines driving indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers and gearboxes, offering superior manoeuvrability, flexibility and endurance of 6,000 nautical miles.
The vessel's primary role is pollution response at sea, supported by state-of-the-art systems including side-sweeping arms, floating booms, high-capacity skimmers, portable barges, and a pollution control laboratory, the ICG said.
The ship is also fitted with an external fire-fighting system (Fi-Fi Class 1) and integrates advanced systems such as dynamic positioning, integrated bridge system, integrated platform management system, and automated power management system to enhance automation and mission efficiency.
Its armament includes a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled guns supported by modern fire-control systems.
Commanded by Deputy Inspector General Ashok Kumar Bhama, the ship, to be based at Kochi, has a complement of 14 officers and 115 personnel. The complement includes the maiden appointment of two women officers who will be performing duties shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, the ICG said.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
