Port Blair, Oct 31: The Commander in Chief, Lt Gen N C Marwah relinquished the command of Andaman and Nicobar command today. He was given a ceremonial tri-services guard of honour at Naval Jetty in Port Blair this morning.
Later interacting with the media persons, the Lt Gen Marwah said the Unified command is committed to environmental issues and local sentiments while undertaking any security development in the region.
He said the command will identify an alternate place for the radar installation project planned earlier in Narcondum island owing to environmental concerns. He added that the project is vital to strengthen the security cover all along the region.
He revealed that during his tenure of two years, the command witnessed successful anti poaching operations, largest ever conglomeration of littoral navies in the biennial mega event MILAN, besides achieving high level of preparedness to deal with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. He said the commissioning of naval air station INS Baaz in the southern most tip of the country at Campbell bay a few months back is a major step to enhance our capablities in the region. Talking on the expansion activities, he said a new coast guard station was commissioned in Little Andaman two years back and another station has been set up in Mayabandar this year to beef up the security all along our coast line. Besides, the run way at Campbell bay will be expanded to enable the command carry out effective air borne operations. He said he is leaving the islands with long lasting memories, mostly emotional.
Lt Gen N C Marwah also gave an impetus to public out reach and social welfare programmes. During his tenure, INHS Dhanwanthri conducted medical camps in different remote islands for the benefits of the people including tribals and also held interactions with fishermen there.
On relinquishing the Command, he will take over the prestigious position of Chief of integrated Staff to chiefs of the Staff Committee in the defence headquarters in New Delhi. (PIB)
