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M. Somasekhar

"We have finalised an agreement and the exercise is expected to begin next month."

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(Recently in Mauritius)

The Island Republic of Mauritius has sought India's expertise to re-chart its entire waters, including the vast maritime region.

The British had provided the basic charts, showing the hydrographic details, navigation routes and other relevant data, way back in 1871. They had also realised the importance of Port Louis and converted it into a naval base and merchant shipping port.

"Now, after 136 years, we have decided to ask India to re-do the entire exercise and extend and update," according to Mr Shekur Suntah, Deputy Director-General of the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA).

Meet Govt officials

The top brass of the MPA recently met the Indian Navy and Government officials and expressed the strong interest that they assist Mauritius in doing a thorough hydrographic survey of the Island's waters.

"We have finalised an agreement and the exercise is expected to begin next month," Mr Suntah told a group of visiting Indian journalists.

The Hydrographic Division of the Indian Navy, located in Dehradun in Uttaranchal, would take up the survey of the waters in the near future. The Maritime Economic Zone of Mauritius is spread over a vast expanse of 1.9 million square km, which is bigger than India's, he explained.

Interestingly, the Indian Ocean, in which Mauritius is one of the most exotic tourist locale and a potential cargo port hub, is divided into two zones — North and South for hydrography studies. While the North is led by South Africa, the South is led by India. Though Mauritius falls in the northern part, India has been approached for the scientific exercise, because of its advanced capabilities.

Latest tools

Hydrographic surveys of the Port Louis harbour region, the islands of Rodrigues to the East and Agalega to the North would be done under the initiative that seeks to update the charts and data by using the latest underwater survey tools.

The Indian Navy is providing the main security to the Island and a majority of its 1.2 million population is of Indian origin.

In the formulation of national maritime policies, exploration of marine resources, navigation, exploration of oil & gas, mineral resources, dredging, coastal works as well as in the constantly changing maritime environment, hydrography plays a significant part.

The Indian Navy, which has a fleet of ships and scientific equipment, had earlier provided survey expertise and helped the Sultanate of Oman and Indonesia.

Massive plan

The MPA has embarked on a massive plan to upgrade, expand and create new facilities around the Port Louis Harbour, to position it as a hub to capture the growing opportunities in the next five years, Mr Suntah said.

Indian companies, which have capabilities to build port related infrastructure would have business opportunities, he explained.

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