Indian navy ship INS Darshak has completed the hydrographic survey of the northern atolls of the Maldives, conducted in collaboration with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
A press statement released by the High Commission of India in the Maldives revealed the ship undertook extensive survey of an area of roughly 423 square kilometres in Haa Dhaalu Atoll extending between Hirinaidhoo and Kumundhoo, which will enable publication of large-scale charts of Kulhudhufushi Port, its anchorage and approaches. The high commission stated this survey would facilitate navigation within the area and lay the foundation for the development of Kulhudhuffushi as an international port. The high commission stated the survey involved depth measurements using the ship and her boats, detailed mapping of ten islands within the area, and observation of current patterns within the area.
Furthermore, the statement by the Indian high commission also revealed the ship undertook surveys of areas extending from Haa Dhaalu Atoll to Shaviyani Atoll, roughly accounting to 4068 square kilometres. The high commission added this enables the publication of a small-scale chart in future which would define the approaches to the numerous islands in Northern Maldives. The statement added the ship has also established the tide level for the area, to allow measuring of tides and tidal data for the region which is a necessity for safe maritime activity and help coastal development.
The Indian high commission further revealed on-job training was imparted to MNDF personnel during the joint survey, regarding exploitation of various survey equipment. The high commission noted the training will ensure that MNDF personnel can undertake independent surveys in the future.
The Indian high commission further stated, in keeping with the policy of enabling and empowering the MNDF, India will assist setting up of Hydrographic facilities within the MNDF and donate state-of-the-art Hydrographic equipment to the MNDF Coast Guard. The high commission added the ship will also gift Geodetic systems to MNDF to set up a Geodetic network across Maldives - essential for all future developments including any offshore construction.
The first Joint Hydrographic Survey conducted between India and Maldives was facilitated by the signing of Memorandum of Understanding in Hydrography in June 2019 during the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives. Hydrographic surveys will help chart Maldivian waters accurately which in turn will facilitate the ‘Blue Economy’ identified as first of the five priority sectors in the ‘Strategic Action Plan (SAP)’ unveiled by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.