India, Sri Lanka conducted hydrographic survey to update all sea routes

New Delhi, December 22: The Indian Navy in collaboration with its Sri Lankan counterpart has successfully completed the second phase of the joint oceanographic survey conducted off the South Western Coast of Sri Lanka.

"Indian navy has been working with its Sri Lankan counterpart to secure smooth navigation in Indian Ocean and the survey is part of the effort. The joint survey has updated all the navigational charts covering the southern Sri Lankan waters with the latest hydrographic data,” navy officials said.

The survey extended to a depth contour of 200 m from the coastline, ranging from capital city Colombo to southern city of Galle. The move will benefit the international shipping traffic passing the southern coast of Sri Lanka and will pave the way for blue economy.

The first phase of the joint Hydrographic survey was conducted from 29 March to 11 May 2017 in the southern seas. Indian Navy's hydrographic survey ship INS Darshak, fitted with the latest state of the art survey equipment, conducted the survey with the personnel from Survey Branch of the Sri Lanka Navy onboard the ship.

The third phase of the survey is scheduled to be carried out from Great Basses to Sangamankanda next year, the Navy said.

The updated nautical/hydrographic information obtained from the surveys will replace centuries old nautical/hydrographic data available in the existing relevant nautical charts at present.

The move will benefit the large international shipping traffic passing the southern coast of Sri Lanka and will certainly pave the way for blue economy.