PENSION ORDERS FOR WG CDR /LT COL / CDR (Retd) ISSUED

MoD has issued the notification for Lt Col and equivalents who retired prior 01.01.2006. The guarenteed pension based on the number of years is given inthe annexure. download the notification by pressing the link.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/15723084/Lt-Col-Pension-Orders

INS Airavat, An indigenously built Landing Ship Tank Commissioned

INS Airavat, the fifth indigenously built Landing Ship Tank (Large) of the Indian Navy was commissioned by Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Chief of the Naval Staff at the Naval Base here today, 19 May 09, at a colourful ceremony. On arrival at the Naval Jetty the Chief Guest was received by Vice Admiral Nirmal Verma, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The Chief of Naval Staff was presented a Fifty-man Guard and introduced to the Ships Officers thereafter. Following the inaugural and keynote addresses delivered by Rear Admiral K C Sekhar (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited, and Vice Admiral Nirmal Verma respectively, Commander Manish Sharma, Commanding Officer INS Airavat, read out the Commissioning Warrant. Hoisting of the Naval Ensign onboard for the first time and Breaking of the Commissioning Pennant with the National Anthem being played marked the formal Commissioning Ceremony. Addressing the media personnel onboard Airavat, Chief of the Naval Staff congratulated the GRSE and other Indian PSUs like Bharat Electronics Medak, HAL, Keltron and private sector companies like Larsen and Toubro, Kirloskar, Godrej, and a host of small scale industries and sub-contractors who have contributed in building a fine ship. He said the ship would augment the operational capabilities and reach of the Eastern Naval Command, in addition to enhancing the amphibious and disaster relief potential of the Eastern Fleet. Induction of INS Airavat adds thrust to the Indian Navys ongoing drive for indigenous warship production. The ship measures 125 meters in length, 17.5 meters in breadth and displaces 5655 tons. Third of the Shardul Class of ships, INS Airavat is the most contemporary and fully indigenized LST (L) in the Indian Navy. In addition to its primary role of Amphibious Operations carrying Battle Tanks, troops and vehicles to hostile coasts, the ship also forms a potent assault platform with Rockets and Chaff launchers, Anti-aircraft guns, shoulder launched Surface to Air Missiles and an integral Sea King or an Advanced Light Helicopter. On the other end of the spectrum, the ship can also be tasked as a Fleet Tanker, for HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) missions or as a Hospital Ship. The improved aesthetics onboard Airavat, with the latest designs and marine grade material, vindicate the Navy's desire to provide better habitability to her men. Other Distinguished Guests on the Occasion included Vice Admiral Ganesh Mahadevan, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, in addition to Flag Officers and Senior Officers, both serving and retired and the families of the Ships crew who were embarked the Ship on completion of the Ceremony for a brief sea sortie along with the attendant media personnel.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=48778

No Full Pension for the Pre 01 Sep 2008 retirees?

With the issue of the Office memorandum dated 12.05.09, Government ruled out full pension for those who retired after 1.1.2006 but before 2.9.2008, even if they had completed 20 years of service. As per this latest clarification (OM dated 12.05.09), Government servants who retired before 2.9.08 with qualifying service of 33 years will continue to be proportionate to the full pension based on their actual qualifying service.
As per the said clarification OM dated 12.05.09, the basis for taking this decision is the Government took a policy decision to implement the the provision for full pension after 20 years of service with effect from 2.9.08.
It was also clarified by the Government that in light of various decisions of Apex Court allowing the employer to fix a cut-off date for introducing any new pension/retirement scheme, the decision of Government is in accordance with the law and there is no violation of Article 14 of the Constitution. Download the GOI momorandum.
http://gconnect.in/6cpc_orders/pension/pension_20_after_1-1-06-2.pdf

CASES TAKEN UP WITH SECY EX SERVICEMAN WELFARE

THE RETIRED DEFENCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION HAS THE FOLLOWING CASES TAKEN UP WITH SECY EX SERVICEMAN WELFARE

1. Anomaly 6 CPC: Disability Pension Pre and Post 2006.

2. Non Payment of 40% arrears by SBI to the pensioners.

3. Non issue of notification for PB4 for Lt Cols retirees consequent to issue of amendment to SAI by MOD placing all Lt Cols in PB4( 37400-67000)

For full details click this link http://rdoaindia.googlepages.com/LATESTUPDATE.doc

India to airlift another Rs. 3 crore medical aid to war ravaged Sri Lanka

India is to provide another Rupees three crores medical aid to Sri Lanka soon. An Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft carrying about 25 tons of medicines is scheduled to leave Delhi for Colombo on Friday, May 22. This will be disbursed to the sick and wounded Internally Displaced People (IDP) in northern Sri Lanka. The Indian Armed Forces have set up a fully equipped 50-bedded hospital close to an IDP Camp at Pulmodai, a town on Sri Lanka’s northeast coast. The 60-member medical team comprising specialists, surgeons and paediatricians have treated over 3,000 people, mainly war wounded, trauma and fractures, in the past two months since the hospital came up. The Sri Lankan government has lauded the humanitarian work done by the team of doctors from the Indian armed forces in mitigating the sufferings of the civilian Tamil population in the war-ravaged island nation. Acting on a request from the Sri Lankan government, the Field Hospital will soon be shifted to Manik Farms in Vavuniya to widen scope of the humanitarian assistance. A need was felt for including a Gynaecologist in the team of doctors but experts said that since the Field Hospital lacks specialized medical equipment and support staff, this would not be feasible at the moment. A lady Medical Officer present in the team was capable of handling routine problems related to women patients.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=48771

Mig- 27 aircraft crash

One Mig-27 aircraft of IAF crashed near Luni, about 40 Kms south of Jodhpur on 15 May 09 at about 0820 hrs. The aircraft had got airborne from Jodhpur air base and was on a routine training-flying sortie. The pilot Sqn Ldr P Dhawan ejected safely. An inquiry has been ordered to investigate into the reasons of the accident.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=48714

Vigilant IAF pilots brave bullets to facilitate battle of ballot

A major role of the Indian Air Force (IAF) mandate during peace time is aid to civil power. The IAF’s transport and helicopter fleet invariably remain at the forefront of such assigned tasks. Facilitating the unenviable task of conducting the electoral process spearheaded by the Election Commission, two IL-76, four AN-32 transport aircraft, 25 medium-lift helicopters and four Chetak helicopters of IAF were pressed into service during the just concluded elections. The helicopters drawn from 13 different IAF airbases across the country were provided to 14 States - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Orissa, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. While flying over most areas for poll-related duties may seem routine, sorties over the naxal affected regions for some pilots proved anything else but routine. For the Mi-17 crew of Squadron Leader R Dhobhal and Flying Officer K Prakash, facilitating the battle of ballot in their call of duty also turned out to be an experience of facing bullets fired by naxals. The incident occurred on April 16, at Binagonda in Gadchiroli District, bordering Chhattisgarh in Maharashtra. Tasked with airlifting a polling party of five members and EVMs, the Mi-17 crew was airborne from nearby Aheri to pick up the election officials from Binagonda and drop them at Laheri, a mere five-minutes flying-time away. “The additional superintendent of police, Laheri, Mr. Jayakumar and I were overseeing the loading of the men and EVMs when I heard the burst of fire through the din of the rotating rotors,” informs Squadron Leader Dhobhal, a veteran of two UN missions where he had honed his skills in dealing with such scenarios. “Getting away quickly for safety of the crew, passengers and the aircraft was all that was on my mind. In less than 15 seconds we were clear of the helipad,” confirms Squadron Leader Dhobhal, Captain of the flight. A closer inspection on landing revealed a bullet hole made by a 7.62 mm calibre bullet in the tail boom of the helicopter. The aircraft was repaired and safely ferried back to Nagpur. No major damage was done and the quick response of the vigilant crew averted in what could have resulted in a major mishap. It may be recalled that last year on Nov 14, IAF lost an aircrew when Maoist rebels fired at their Mi-8 helicopter during a similar poll-related flying task in Pedia in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. By the end of the last phase of elections on May 13, the IAF altogether undertook a total of 930 sorties and 780 hours were flown towards election task that included airlifting 6792 passengers, 137 tons of election material and 436 electronic voting machines. In an unprecedented airlift effort undertaken by the IAF’s transport fleet, two IL-76 and four AN-32 airlifted 3234 central para military forces alone from Imphal to Kalaikunda in three days, from April 26-28. As in the past, the significant role of IAF helicopters pilots also has come in for some fulsome praise this time and their contribution acknowledged from various quarters including those from the Ministry of Defence, Home and the State governments. Shri N Gopalaswami, former Chief Election Commissioner just ahead of his retirement on April 20, also appreciated the important contribution of IAF in the conduct of the elections, this year.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=48694

Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC visits Western Air Command, IAF

Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC, the longest serving erstwhile Air Officer Commanding of “Operational Command” of the Indian Air Force (IAF) that later came to be known as “Western Air Command” (WAC) revisited the Headquarters located at Subroto Park, New Delhi on Friday. He twice led the Command, first as an Air Commodore from 1949-52, and again as an Air Vice Marshal from 1957-62. Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of WAC, Air Marshal PK Barbora received Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh on his arrival and briefed him on various issues related to modernization of IAF in recent years and its achievements with reference to WAC, in particular. The Marshal expressed his satisfaction and complimented every air warrior for their dedication and professionalism while addressing the officers. He also shared the experiences of his time and advised all air warriors to keep the flag of IAF flying high at all times.

PB-4 Orders issued Finally on 20 Apr 2009

Good news for all the lt col and eq...PB-4 orders have been signed and SAFI issued on 21 Apr 2009. the Basic is fixed at Rs38530/- with 8000 rank pay. Further details will be given as soon as available. Click the link to view the notification http://www.scribd.com/doc/14481895/PB4

An update by Vice Admiral Harinder Singh , President Navy Foundation

Mr. Nirdesh Gupta, a prominent SC lawyer has been selected as our lawyer > to file a Writ along with IESM and a small retainer has also been given > to him. He had earlier fought the Maj Gens case before the SC and won > the same. Having fought that case, he is fully conversant with our > cause. His knowledge of the issues involved and the background > information that he had already gathered went in favor of selecting him.>> We are yet to decide on the firm date for filing of the Writ as we were > awaiting all inputs including the election manifesto of the major > political parties, withdrawal / running down of agitation by the IESM, > discussions with other Veterans Orgs to present a joint case before the > SC and remaining decisions of the Govt on some of the immediate issues > emanating out of the 6 PC.>> As you are aware we had taken up the inequity of granting Pension at the > bottom end of PB 4 scales to many ranks and the enforcement of the SC > judgment in the Maj Gens case with the RM, MOD and the service Chiefs. A > copy of the reply received from the PPOC in reply to the letter to the > CNS has already been circulated to all members and appears to be > hopeful. Informal discussions with the NHQ, MOD and others have > indicated that the Govt letter for Commanders/ PB 4 is likely to be > issued in the very near future. We have also been informed that it is > very likely that the new orders for grant of modified Pension Parity to > all ranks from Capt to Lt Gen are under advanced discussion and also > likely to be issued in the near future, before the current government > demits office.>> MOD had also requested for the name of a naval Veteran who will liaise > with MOD and provide advice for satisfactorily resolving the outstanding > issues flowing from 6 PC as far as we are concerned. The name of RAdm > Sushil Ramsay has been forwarded for the same.>> We will, therefore decide our next course of action after all these > inputs are with us by end May 09.

FIRST EVER HEART TRANSPLANT IN R&R HOSPITAL

Army Hospital (R&R), Delhi under Ministry of Defence conducted the first ever heart transplant on Thursday last. The recipient was Smt Radha Devi, 28 years old wife of a serving soldier, a case of cardiomyopathy with heart failure. This was part of multi organ donation by a brain dead patient following a head injury. The liver of the donor was transplanted to a 41 year old service soldier Naik LS Rao. The Armed Forces have an active liver and kidney transplant programme, run under The Armed Forces Organ Retrieval and Transplant Authority (AORTA).

COAS plans to visit france on 30 Mar 2009

France and India share common values and have convergence of views on many issues that affect the emerging world order. The number of Bilateral Agreements signed between the two countries in the recent past in diverse fields including the Civil Nuclear Deal is a testimony to our growing strategic partnership. This visit to France by the Army Chief comes at a time when our bilateral relations are at an all time high. The bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries has been vibrant and intense and is progressing well under the aegis of institutionalised mechanisms. These encompass varied activities like visits, training exchanges, equipment collaboration and participation in Seminars and Conferences etc. The visit by Gen Kapoor will add the necessary impetus to the defence relationship and broad-base it further into a mutually beneficial partnership. During his visit, the Army Chief will interact with senior military and civilian defence hierarchy and discuss various contemporary defence related issues. He will also be visiting important training institutions and Operational Headquarters

124th Course NDA and Naval Academy for 44th 10+2 (Executive Branch) Course commencing from June 30 , 2010 will be held on 30 Aug 2009.

The Union Public Service Commission will hold the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2009 on August 30, 2009 for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force Wings of NDA for 124th Course and Naval Academy for 44th 10+2 (Executive Branch) Course commencing from June 30 , 2010.

Air Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik has been appointed the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) designate.

Air Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik has been appointed the next Chief of Air Staff (CAS). He takes office on May 31, with the retirement of incumbent chief Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major. Born on 22 Jul 1949, Air Marshal Naik was commissioned into the Air Force on 21 Jun 1969 as a Fighter Pilot. During his long distinguished service spanning nearly 40 years he has served in a variety of Command Staff and Instructional appointments. He has the distinction of 3085 hrs of flying to his credit. The Air Marshal also took part in 1971 war. Before taking over as VCAS, he was Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command. Besides being a fellow of the National Defence College, New Delhi, College of Defence Management, Secundrabad and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he has attended a variety of courses like flying instructor Course, Jungle & Snow Survival, Junior Commanders Course. Air Marshal Naik was decorated with Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM) and Vishist Seva Medal (VSM). He is one of the Honorary ADCs of the Supreme Commander.

Advani promises military veterans One-Rank One-Pension

Advani promises military veterans One-Rank One-Pension

See full press release http://www.lkadvani.in/eng/content/view/812/281/
It goes without saying that there are few things less reliable than a politician before elections. However, it was no less than the BJP's prime ministerial candidate LK Advani who stopped by at the veteran hungerstrike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and offered them his support. According to a statement released by the Indian Ex-Servicement Movement (IESM) which organises the hungerstrikes (and the return of upto 13,000 gallantry and good service medals so far to the government), Advani, on behalf of his party and its NDA partners, fully endorsed the demand and categorically stated that if elected to office, they will implement "One Rank One Pension" without any delay.

HBA RULES BY GOI

No.I-17011111(4)/2008-H.III Government of India Ministry of Urban Development (Housing-Iff Section)
******
Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi. Dated:- the 27th Nov., 2008
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:-
Interest bearing advances/Sixth Central Pay Commission recommendation on House Building Advance-regarding. ********
The undersigned is directed to say that the implementation of the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission relating to interest bearing advances, including House Building Advance, granted to Central Government employees is under consideration of the Government.
2. Pending finalisation of the new arrangements, the matter has been examined in consultation with the Department of Expenditure and the following provisions for House Building Advance shall be in operation:
(i). The maximum limit for grant of HBA shall be 34 months' of pay in the pay band subject to a maximum of Rs. 7.50 lakh or cost of the house or the repaying capacity whichever is the least, for new construction/purchase of new houselflat.
(ii), The maximum limit for grant of HBA for enlargement of existing house shall be 34 month's of pay in the pay band subject to a maximum of Rs.1.80 lakh or cost of the enlargement or repaying capacity, whichever is the least.
(iii). The cost ceiling limit shall be 134 times the pay in the pay band subject to a minimum of Rs, 7.50 lakh and a maximum of Rs, 30.00 lakh relaxable up to a maximum of 25% of the revised maximum cost ceiling of Rs. 30.00 lakh.
4.
All Ministries/Departments of Government of India are requested to bring the contents of this O.M. to the notice of all concerned.


5,

These orders shall be effective from the date of their issue.

Sd/- V.K.GUPTA) Deputy Financial adviser

Wing Commander K Praveen, Wing Commander DK Shah and Squadron Leader S. Ilyaraj meet the end in a Saras aircraft crash at Bangalore

A Saras Prototype II, an indigenously developed multi-role transport aircraft, which was on a test flight, crashed near Bidadi, 30 km from Bangalore, on Friday killing three Indian Air Force officers. The reason for the crash is yet to be ascertained.
Designed and developed by National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL), the aircraft took off from HAL Airport at 2.55 p.m. before coming down around 3.30 p.m. near Seshagirihalli off Bangalore-Mysore Highway. Wing Commander K. Praveen the captain of aircraft, co-pilot Wing Commander D.K. Shah and flight test engineer Squadron Leader S. Ilyaraj were charred to death as the aircraft burst into flames soon after it crashed in an open field, a few hundred meters away from Seshagirihalli colony that has around 100 houses.
According to NAL officials, the aircraft lost contact with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) at 3.30 p.m. It was on a routine test flight, officials said. The aircraft was supposed to be doing a profile of engine off.
Sources said that such sorties were done twice a day and the aircraft took the same route for its training sorties.
“We saw the aircraft coming down abruptly and followed the direction in which it went. It turned abruptly and started losing height. After a couple of somersaults in mid-air, it crashed. I could notice smoke from a distance,” said Anand, an eyewitness. “As we went close, we heard two loud blasts. Except the tail-end of the aircraft, everything was burnt,” he added. Mr. Anand, a resident of Ramanagara, who was driving with his friend on the Mysore Road, claimed he informed the Ramanagara police immediately.
While five fire tenders were rushed to the spot, Mr. Anand said everything was burnt by the time the fire engines reached the spot.
Fearing for their safety, a few residents of Seshagirihalli Colony who rushed to the spot did not venture near the burning aircraft as they heard another explosion. The three experienced pilots along with the aircraft had taken part in the recently concluded Aero India 2009.
While Wing Commander Praveen (35) was a resident of Bangalore, Squadron Leader Ilyaraja (33) was from Villupuram in Tamil Nadu and Wing Commander Saha (34) was a native of Mumbai.
Aircraft debris, including the propeller and parachute, were found strewn around the area, and some partially burnt parts were recovered as much as 500 metres away from the crash site.
As the surging crowd threatened to run over the crash site, the police cordoned off the area to help the Indian Air Force officials locate the data recorder, cockpit voice recorder and other details that could provide reasons for the crash.
The charred bodies that were beyond recognition were salvaged from the debris around 7 p.m., and shifted to Command Hospital here. Two rescue helicopters with some officials of the NAL and IAF were sent to the spot.

Carried out the third Interceptor test today of home-grown Ballistic Missile Defence System

India today inched closer towards its endeavour to put in place its own home-grown Ballistic Missile Defence System as it successfully carried out the third Interceptor test today at 1624 hrs from Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island in Orissa. The mission control room burst into raptures as the radar display indicated the interception and destruction of the decoy enemy missile by the interceptor. Today’s test achieved all the mission objectives. The two-stage Interceptor Missile fitted with advanced systems hit the target enemy missile at 75 kms altitude. To mimic the incoming enemy’s ballistic missile trajectory, Dhanush missile went to an altitude of 120 Km and was launched from ship about 100 km away from the Orissa Coast. The Interceptor missile was launched from a mobile launcher located on Wheeler Island Launch Complex. The third consecutive interception of Ballistic Missiles once again demonstrated the robustness of the Indian Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) have already conducted two interception trials, first in Exo-atmospheric region at 48 Kms altitude on 27th November 06 and second in endo-atmospheric region at 15 kms using Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile on 06 Dec 07. The missile interception trial was witnessed by the DRDO Chief Shri M Natarajan, Air Defence Programme Director Dr VK Saraswat, senior Scientists from DRDO, senior officers from Armed Forces and Government officials. The Defence Minister Shri A K Antony has congratulated the scientific community of DRDO for the third consecutive success in achieving Ballistic Missile Defence capability.

The MiG-23 BN of Indian Air Force retired on 06 Mar 09

The MiG-23 BN of Indian Air Force retired today on 06 Mar 09, after 28 years of glorious service to the Nation. A befitting farewell in the form of a ‘phasing out ceremony’ was held at its last home, No. 221 Squadron at Air Force Station Halwara. The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major. Wg Cdr YJ Joshi and Sqn Ldr TR Sahu of 221 Sqn flew the aircraft on its last flight. The Air Force Station Halwara had become home to No.221 Squadron ever since they converted to MiG-23 BN in February 1982. 27 years on, No.221 Squadron is lone Squadron with MiG-23 BN on its inventory. The squadron known as the ‘Valiants’ was formed on 1963 at Barrackpore under he command of Sqn Ldr N Chatrath with 22 officers. It was then a part of the 55 Bengal Auxillary Air Force Squadron. Initially equipped with Vampire, Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft, it assumed the mantle of an operational unit when selected to support Indian Army’s blitzkrieg advance in East Bengal during Dec 1971. The ‘Valiants’ entered the Swing Wing era with the induction of MiG-23 BN in IAF on 24 Jan 1981 as a result of the IAF’s need for Tactical Air Strike Aircraft in the late 1970s. This single seater ground attack aircraft was the result of Mikoyan Design Bureau’s radical approach to incorporate variable geometry wings in the aircraft, a swing wing concept to compromise on the conflicting requirement of high speed flight with good low speed handling. An IAF test pilot team led by Wg Cdr Philip Rajkumar had test flown and evaluated the MiG-23 BN at Lugovaya in April – May 1979 after which the Cabinet Committee for Political Affairs (CCPA) cleared an acquisition of 95 MiG-23 BNs. Eight Pilots, nine engineering officers and 55 airmen of IAF left for Soviet Union on 01 Sep 1980 for conversion training on MiG-23 variable sweep fighters. The aircraft were then transported to HAL facility at Ozar near Nasik where they were assembled, test flown by Soviet pilots before being handed over to the IAF on 20 Jan 1980. The first IAF unit to be inducted with these Swing Wing fighters was No. 10 Squadron. The aircraft got its first taste of operation on 04 April 1984 when the Squadron was alerted for the launch of ‘Operation Meghdoot’ for securing the Siachen Glacier in Northern Ladhakh. Intensive flying began in Kashmir valley, the Mig-23 BNs were employed to the limits, flying in the mountainous region by day and night. In 1985 MiG-23 BN got the unique distinction of being the first fighter aircraft ever to cross Banihal Pass in J&K region by night. On 25 may 1999, ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ was launched. The Indian Air Force was to commence offensive air action at first light of the next morning. The MiG-23 BNs were launched into action targeting enemy positions at Tiger Hill with 57 mm rockets and 500 Kg bombs. The ensuing seven weeks from 26 May and 15 July saw the squadron fly 155 attack missions more than those during December 1971 operations and accounted for 28 percent of total load drop and 30 percent of all missions flown in that area. During the Kargil conflict this aircraft had the distinction of being the single aircraft type to fire the maximum weapon load over the dizzy heights of Dras and Kargil. The MiG-23s have had flown more than 154000 hrs in the service of the nation.

Senior naval officer is preparing to set sail to circumnavigate the globe.

A senior naval officer is preparing to set sail to circumnavigate the globe to become the first Indian to achieve the feat in a yacht, with four planned stops.And during his journey that may last nine months, commander Dilip Donde is all prepared to face solitude, 10 metre high waves and freezing waters. Donde, who will sail around the world as part of the Indian Navy's project 'Sagar Parikrama', arrived in the city's naval dockyard on board the indigenously built yacht 'Mhadei' on Thursday from Goa to undergo training for his journey."After setting sail from India there will be four stops: at Fremantle in Australia, Christchurch in New Zealand, Port Stanley in South America and Cape Town in South Africa before returning home," Donde said.The 41-year-old Naval officer, who volunteered for the mission, has been involved with the project for the last three years and was present during the building of the yacht in Goa."The main part of the training for the project is to get to know the boat really well, which is why I have been closely involved in the building of the yacht," Donde said.To sustain himself on the long journey, Donde is expected to carry many books and tools to repair the yacht in the event of problems, apart from rations and medicines.However, in the event of any distress, Donde, who has sailed with the naval sail ship INS Tarangini to the US earlier, will have to rely on his seafaring abilities to stay alive.The journey is expected to begin in Mumbai, subject to favourable climatic conditions, on August 15 and Dhonde is expected to take nine months to travel over 21,000 miles.Donde will be in the city till August and will undergo training to prepare for the journey."This is the second phase of training where he will practice with other experienced yachtsmen and will also sail to Mauritius and back to get in shape for the world trip," vice admiral JS Bedi, flag officer commanding in chief Western Naval Command said at a function here.The entire cost of the project, approximately Rs 6.5 crore, was being borne by the navy and was in keeping with the encouragement it provides to adventure sports, he said.The yacht, Mhadei, which is 17.1 metres long and equipped with Swedish engines and sails from New Zealand, has been specially built for the circumnavigation."When the project was kicked off many felt it would not be possible to build this boat but other than some equipment from abroad the ship has been built here," Bedi said.The navy is also planning to keep a camera to broadcast live images of the journey via a broadband Internet connection on the ship.