Honorable Prime Minister of India

Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat

Honorable Chief Minister of Rajasthan

Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Vishnu Datt, served in Border Security Force for 26 years and took voluntary retirement in 2010.
I wish to present an idea which may be of use to our nation. If the idea is feasible, it will be the
biggest source of satisfaction to me.

INDIAN OCEAN AT THE DOORSTEP OF RAJASTHAN - AN OCEAN OF

OPPORTUNITIES
The following itemized structure summarizes my findings and suggestion:
1. While in Border Security Force, I got an opportunity to serve in Rann of Kutch and Sir
Creek area as a Battalion Commander from 2004 to 2008. Two joint surveys between India
and Pakistan were conducted during this period in Sir Creek and on Horizontal Line west
of Border Pillar Number 1175. Thereafter, as DIG (Intelligence), BSF, I had been closely
associated with Indo-Pak border of Gujarat and Barmer district of Rajasthan till September,
2010. Having seen the ground closely, I have noticed some interesting aspects which are
enumerated hereunder:
a. The Rann of Kutch including Little Rann is at almost sea level.
b. The Rann extends up to Barmer.
c. Areas along Rann are rocky or lying barren and are scantily populated for
considerable distances.
d. Creeks are eroding Rann at a very fast pace. Satellite imagery proves that there
is an expansion of creeks of more than 1 km per year in certain areas. The Google
Earth imagery of Harami Nala proves it beyond doubt. This expansion is not only
lengthwise but widthwise as well. A number of G-pillars (border pillars along the
disputed boundary) on the banks of creeks have been swallowed by ever
expanding creeks. This leads to the deduction that Rann, in near future will
become a network of Creeks posing grave challenges from security as well as
from environmental aspects. The erosion of adjoining coastline is also noticeable.
e. Dredging of Rann should be quite easy and economical as it consists of mud and
slush.

f. Pakistan constructed a 42 km long channel called China Bund in Creek area in

1997.
g. There are many unique places with potential of tourism, which are not easily
accessible presently.

2. In the 20th century, when the resources were scarce and even the technology was not so
advanced, a 4,800 km long Intra-coastal canal was constructed along the Atlantic and Gulf
coasts of the United States. Some sections of the waterway consist of natural inlets,
saltwater rivers, bays, and sounds, while others are artificial canals. It provides a navigable
route along its length without many of the hazards of travel on the open sea.

3. If a canal is dredged mainly along the coast of Rann as visualized in the map below, it will
prove to be a boon not only to Rajasthan and Gujarat but to the whole Indian economy.
4. Suggested Canals from Kori creek to Barmer district (Red) and other from Gulf of Kutch,
Little Rann (Blue)
Red--450 km on map
Blue--400 km on map

5. Besides connectivity and other reasons, the canals' confluence is suggested keeping in mind
that it will keep the circulation of water going which results in reduction of siltation.

6. Some of the possibilities/advantages envisaged are listed hereunder. There may be many
more when assessed by experts.
a. Port in Barmer district, leading to a direct access to Indian Ocean with implying
Export-Import potential through the sea.
b. Economical transportation by ships, boats and speedy transportation by hovercrafts
or amphibious crafts.
c. Availability of potable water - desalination would provide unlimited water
resource. Chennai has one of the largest desalination plants in Asia. India's National
Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has the ability to provide the most
economical technology as per the requirement of the area and availability of
other/seasonal resources. Since the area receives abundant sunlight, solar
desalination could also be considered. Petroleum resources from Barmer or
economical coal transportation through the canal or a grid of solar/wind energy
could be used as fuel for desalination.
d. Brine, a byproduct of desalination could be utilized by chemical industry.
e. The area has tremendous potential for Wind/Solar Energy.
f. Number of ports at suitable places transforming vast wastelands into industrial
hubs.
g. Bringing fishing industry to these areas and further development of the same by
subsidiary canals or reservoirs.
h. Salt production.
i. Land reclamation by using dredged material.
j. A road on the coast side bank of canal using dredged material or available resources
would add to the strength, transportability and defense potential.
k. Enhanced offensive/defensive capabilities and mobility - for Naval/Amphibious
forces.
l. May contain erosion of Rann.
m. Exploration and transportation of hydrocarbons would be facilitated

7. The canals will be of great communication, commercial and military importance besides
generating lacs of jobs. It will richly contribute to development of vast stretches of land
along the Little Rann in west and north-west Gujarat, Kutch and Barmer districts as these
places will get plenty of opportunities for development of vast industrial hubs, fertile fields
and utilization of natural resources untapped so far.

With profound regards

Vishnu Datt, DIG (Retd.), Border Security Force
Tel: +919560570797