The ICGS Varaha. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (25 September) commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Varaha in Chennai on the concluding day of his two-day visit to the city.
The Varaha is an offshore patrol vehicle developed by the private agency, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), in accordance with a contract signed with the Defence Ministry.
It is the fourth among a series of seven ships to be delivered by L&T with features like ultra-advanced navigation and communication sensors. Varaha will operate from the port of New Mangalore on the West Coast covering the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) up to Kanyakumari.
"The name 'Varaha' is taken from the Puranas, who was the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu that took the form of a boar to protect the earth by carrying her out of the sea on its tusks. It reminds us of the principle of sacrifice and rescue in the duty of saving Mother Earth," the Minister said.
The state-of-the-art ship can operate the indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is expected to add to the Coast Guard's strength in responding to the threats of maritime terrorism, smuggling and challenges of maritime law enforcement.
The ship is also well-equipped with high-speed boats, medical facilities and modern surveillance systems. It can help provide search and rescue cover to mariners in distress at sea.
(With inputs from IANS)
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.