A good rescue operation by the Coast guard using helicopters from INS Shikra has been reported. I had an opportunity to visit this facility at Colaba and listened to a useful lecture delivered by the trainers. Such incidents do occur during rough weather but it needs to be investigated that those who chose to abandon the vessel, did so in agreement with the command or not? Who is the surveying authority for this ship? Is it IRS through Maharashtra Maritime Board?
The MMB is not functioning amicably as it reportedly outsource the survey work to some teachers of LBS college, who have not sailed on a ship since last 15-20 years. When was the structural integrity of the ship last checked? What was the sourcing of the crew, are they trained, certified and fit? These are the issues which needs to be examined.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is keen to develop a good passenger jetty at the Mumbai port which is laudable, considering the advanced development of Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport. It looks really good and clean. The Mumbai port is dirty and incidents of thefts too have been reported. We should have an outlet inside the port for selling quality Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and Unani medicines. Those who want to consult the authorized practitioner can avail their services on demand. It is already being reported that we Indians use the maximum number of antibiotics.
Baba Ramdev has done excellent work for promoting Ayurveda but his friend, Journalist Ved Pratap Vaidik has been making controversial statements about Kashmir on television after having tea with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. He should have sought the permission of the concerned authorities before meeting Saeed. It is suspected that this might perhaps be an attempt to get some friendly statement from Hafiz Saeed in favour of Modi so that he can impress U.S President Barack Obama after meeting him. Modi can also send across a message that he is a better world leader and believes in reforming while Obama believes in confrontation.