N O I C (OR)

Background

Naval Officer-in-Charge (Orissa), functions under the operational control of Flag Officer Commanding - in - Chief, Eastern Naval Command, is entrusted with the responsibilities of seaward defence of the Odisha Coast in addition to conduct / coordination of all naval operations in the state, being the Zonal Naval Authority (ZNA). The Commanding Officer, INS Chilka carries out the duties of Naval Officer - in - Charge(Orissa).

The state of Odisha has approx 250NM long coastline along the eastern coast adjoining the Bay of Bengal. Presently, it has three major ports namely Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur. A large number of locations have also been identified by the Govt of Odisha as prospective minor ports. Paradip port is a major deep-water commercial port on the Eastern seaboard. Naval ships also frequently call on at the port. Dhamra, a new deep-water port is operational and maiden entry of naval ships in the near future is on the anvil. Only anchorage facilities are presently available at Gopalpur port.

NOIC (Orissa) operates from Chilka. As of now, he has only two other liaison units outside Chilka i.e. NAV DET at Paradip and Naval Liaison Cell at Bhubaneswar (for liaison with Civil Administration and Security Agencies). Currently a number of infrastructure development projects are on the anvil.

NAV DET at Paradip

In the year 1999, the state of Odisha was ravaged by a super cyclone. It rendered almost ten thousand people dead and millions of people homeless. The landfall of this super cyclone was near Paradip, the only major port of Odisha. The Indian Navy took on the task of restoring the basic facilities at Paradip and rehabilitating the people in villages adjacent to the port. During this time a warehouse for stowage of relief material and a two room accommodation measuring around 4664 Sq Ft. was handed over to the Indian Navy. It needs to be manned throughout the year and looks after OTR of ships / submarines as well as coordinate relief operations as on required basis). At present, the resources are being diverted from INS Chilka.

Naval Liaison Cell at Bhubaneswar

Witnessing Indian Navy’s role during super cyclone the state govt had, as a goodwill gesture, allotted a building, B-1, Nayapalli at Bhubaneswar for setting up of a Naval Liaison Cell. It was jointly inaugurated by Sri Naveen Pattnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha and V Adm Vinod Pasricha PVSM, AVSM, NM the then Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command on 19 Dec 2000 and named as Naval Liaison Cell. Since then, the office is being used as makeshift operations centre and coordinated liaison of Navy and State Govt during the numerous disaster relief and rescue operations undertaken by the navy. Deputy NOIC (Orissa) was appointed in the year Mar 11 for progressing various land acquisition cases. He operates from the NLC, at Bhubaneswar.

Naval Air Enclave, Bhubaneswar

The case for setting-up of a Naval Air Enclave (NAE) at Bhubaneswar Airport is being progressed on fast track. A close has ensured that the Govt. has offered a land of 2.99 acres adjacent to the airport.

FOB, Paradip

IN is progressing a case for a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Paradip, an all weather deep-water port, for a swift response for operations in the North / North East Bay of Bengal. The need is also complemented by the fact that the state of Odisha is prone to severe cyclonic storms and floods necessitating large-scale mobilisation of naval resources at short notice, in aid to civil power. Paradip Port Trust has offered a land measuring 20 acres on lease basis for a term of thirty years. IHQ MoD (Navy) has sanctioned for acquisition of the same.

Sagar Prahari Bal

Case for positioning Sagar Prahari Bal with NOIC (ORS) for coastal security task is under process.

Achievements

• NOIC (ORS) unit has actively participated in various Coastal Security Exercises along Orissa Coast in close coordination with Coast Guard, Marine police, Customs and Fisheries departments to enhance awareness as well as coastal security.
• NOIC (ORS) is vigorously coordinating the relief and rescue operations in Odisha state and last year in Sep 11, a total of 53.3 tons of relief material was air-dropped during the flood relief operations, providing much needed succour to the deprived people, which have enhanced the image of the Indian Navy.
• Chilka also undertook manning of Paradip Port during a strike of its Class III and IV employees in Feb 12. The unit deputed a team of 26 sailors to man various posts and ensure smooth operations at the Port. The task was successfully completed and was appreciated by the Port Trust.