The Hindu : National : A failed mission

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 13, 2005

National

National

A failed mission

By Our Staff Reporter

RAMESWARAM, FEB. 12 . The much-awaited installation of the "India" board at Iyntham Thidai (fifth island coming under the Indian marine border) near Katchativu, which separates the Indian and Sri Lankan maritime jurisdiction, has failed miserably owing to the poor arrangement and lack of coordination between various Government departments.

Immediately after assuming charge a few months ago, the Collector, K. Sellamuthu, visited the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) near Katchativu. He found that the board, which was installed many years ago to indicate the border, in a dilapidated condition. He got the board repaired and it was to be reinstalled today in coordination with the Naval officials in Rameswaram.

The board was to have been taken to the fifth island this morning first in a trawler and then in a "vallam" (small boat) with military protection. Though two hovercrafts and other sophisticated ships were stationed at the Coast Guard station at Mandapam, officials preferred a country boat to carry the board.

But the trip turned out to a nightmare for the officials and the newsmen who went to cover the event. The sea was so rough that many fell ill midway and some even swooned. After a four-hour ordeal, the trawler reached the International Maritime Boundary Line.

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