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Journalism of Courage
MUMBAI, JULY 21: The auction of India’s first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, has been cancelled by the Ministry of Defence. A last-minute order from Naval Headquarters in New Delhi called for the cancellation of the ship’s auction, which was earlier scheduled to take place on July 21 at the Tarabai Hall in Marine Lines here.
Vikrantophiles as well as those actively involved in the “Save Vikrant” campaign have expressed joy over the Government’s decision to stall the auction of India’s greatest aircraft carrier.
“We are happy that our efforts in preserving the Vikrant and converting her into a museum are so far positive. The Navy should now quickly refurbish the hull of the ship before she can be berthed at Oyster Rock in South Mumbai,” said the founder of the “Save Vikrant Committee” Kiran Paigankar.
He added that the positive approach of Maharashtra government and the Governor, Dr P.C Alexander, for the Vikrant Memorial Project had also played a vital role in the saving of Vikrant. “When we met Dr Alexander earlier this month, he had assured us full support in saving the Vikrant, which is a national heritage indeed,” stated Paigankar.
Meanwhile, the state government is waiting for the feasiblity report for berthing Vikrant at Oyster Rock, which is still a good two months away. So before the report comes through, the Navy could refurbish and dry dock the Vikrant in order to make her ready for the memorial-museum project.
Just two days ago, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh had told The Indian Express that he was making all out efforts to stall the auction. “The Maharashtra government has already asked the Navy to fully utilise the cheque of Rs five crore given last year for the repairs of the ship,” Deshmukh had said, adding that he himself is a “Vikrantophile”.
Last week, at least 11 representatives of ship-breaking companies had visited Vikrant in the Naval Dockyard to estimate the value of the ship before submitting their quotations for the auction. For now, though, the Vikrant is safe from a fate in a junkyard.
