KARWAR, July 19: Talks on starting the Rs 25,000 crore Sea Bird naval base project near here ended in a deadlock, with Defence Minister George Fernandes expressing disappointment over it. ``The talks ended in a stalemate because the state's demands are such that I cannot take a decision on them,'' Fernandes told mediapersons after meeting Chief Minister J H Patel and state officials.``I came with the hope that the project will be started, but I am going back disappointed,'' Fernandes said, but added he would try his best to see that the project takes off in the interest of the country and Karnataka.
The project, for which the foundation stone was laid in October 1986 by then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, will be the biggest naval base in Asia when commissioned. However, it has developed some hitches, including one relating to rehabilitation of families likely to be displaced due to the project (estimated to be around 4,500). Earlier, talking to mediapersons at the helipad, the Defence Minister virtuallyruled out granting a better rehabilitation package as demanded by the families, saying, ``We cannot enhance the rehabilitation package from time to time.''
Fernandes also said that the project was meant to be implemented over 25 years, with the first phase proposed to be completed in 10 years. On the Karnataka Government's stand on the project, Fernandes said, ``The state is keen to have the project, the Centre is keen to have the project and people are keen to have the project.'' He said when the project is completed, the Navy's operating headquarters will be shifted from Mumbai to Karwar.
The project covers an area of 24 km along the coastline, from Binaga in Karwar taluk to Bhavikeri in Ankola taluk of Uttara Kannada district.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
