The INS Viraat, once a proud and distinguished aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, is now in the process of being dismantled at the Alang ship-breaking yard located in Gujarat. This warship has a storied history, with significant involvement in various operations such as Operation Jupiter and Operation Parakram. After serving the nation for several decades, it was decommissioned in 2017. Although there were proposals to preserve INS Viraat as a maritime museum, these plans did not come to fruition due to the lack of a ‘no objection certificate’ from the central government. Despite its impending fate, the Maharashtra government has recently expressed willingness to work with the defence ministry in an attempt to save this historic vessel.
History and Service
INS Viraat holds an important place in Indian naval history. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987, it served for 30 years before its decommissioning. During its operational tenure, the aircraft carrier played a pivotal role in several key military operations. Notably, it was part of Operation Jupiter in 1989 during the Sri Lankan Peacekeeping operation and Operation Parakram in 2001-2002, which was initiated following the Indian Parliament attacks. The ship’s illustrious service earned it the nickname “Grand Old Lady,” and it became a symbol of India’s naval prowess.
Decommissioning and Aftermath
After three decades of service, INS Viraat was decommissioned in March 2017. Following its decommissioning, there were discussions about converting the ship into a maritime museum or a stationary hotel to preserve its legacy. Such conversions have been done in other parts of the world, where former warships serve as museums or tourist attractions, providing educational and historical value. However, despite public interest and potential offers, the necessary support and clearances from the government were not forthcoming. Without a ‘no objection certificate,’ the plans to convert INS Viraat into a museum could not advance.
Sale for Scrap and Efforts to Save the Ship
Ultimately, the absence of a viable plan for preservation led to the sale of INS Viraat for scrap. The process of breaking down the ship for metal recycling commenced at Alang, which is one of the world’s largest ship-breaking yards. The decision to scrap the vessel was met with disappointment by many, including veterans and naval enthusiasts who had hoped to see the ship preserved as a testament to India’s maritime heritage.
Despite the commencement of the scrapping process, efforts to save INS Viraat continued. The Maharashtra government stepped forward with an offer to help restore the historic warship. They proposed collaboration with the defence ministry to explore possible ways to halt the dismantling and instead work towards preserving the ship. The government’s proposal highlighted the cultural and historical significance of INS Viraat and the desire to maintain it as a piece of living history.
Current Status and Public Sentiment
As of now, the future of INS Viraat remains uncertain. While the dismantling process at Alang is underway, the voices advocating for its preservation persist. The public sentiment is mixed, with a section of society pushing for the ship to be saved and converted into a maritime museum, while others accept the practicalities and financial implications of such an endeavor. The debate around INS Viraat reflects broader questions about how nations choose to honor and preserve their military history.
The story of INS Viraat is a reminder of the complex decisions that surround the fate of decommissioned military assets. Whether it will be remembered only in the pages of history or as a tangible relic of the past is a question that remains unanswered. As the narrative unfolds, the legacy of INS Viraat continues to be a topic of discussion and interest among those who value the rich tapestry of India’s naval history.