Security agencies and forest department have started investigation after a Chinese-made GPS tracking device was found on the body of a seagull in the Karwar coastal area of Uttara Kannada district. This area is close to a sensitive naval area, due to which the security agencies have been alerted. However, preliminary investigation has not found any signs of espionage and the matter may be related to scientific research. But, security agencies are investigating every aspect.
According to security sources, locals spotted a seagull with an unusual device attached to its body near the beach behind Thimmakka Garden. When in doubt, he informed the Marine Wing of the Forest Department. Forest officials reached the spot, caught the bird safely and examined the device.
Tracker linked to China’s research institute
Investigation revealed that the GPS device had markings associated with the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This provides initial indications that the device was used to study seagulls’ flight, feeding and migration routes. But, the place where this bird was found is very close to the Karwar base of the Navy. The action of the Navy also becomes very important because it is from here that the Indian Navy, with its powerful presence, made Pakistan sweat during Operation Sindoor.
Strategic importance of Karwar
The Karwar coast, being located on the western seaboard of Karnataka, holds immense strategic importance for the Western Command of the Indian Navy. The Navy Base Karwar located here is one of the largest and most modern naval bases in Asia. This base serves as India’s maritime surveillance, submarine operations, aircraft carrier support and logistics hub in the Arabian Sea.
The geographical position of INS Karwar is such that from here the important sea routes of Karachi coast of Pakistan, Strait of Hormuz and Arabian Sea can be monitored. For this reason, Karwar region is considered a high-security zone. Any unusual activity is taken seriously here.
Karwar’s important role in Operation Sindoor
During Operation Sindoor, INS Kadamba based at Karwar played the role of a major operational and logistics base for the Indian Navy. In this operation-
- Frontline warships, aircraft carrier Vikrant and submarines were deployed and re-supplied from Karwar.
- Support was provided for maritime surveillance aircraft and helicopter operations.
- Sea-denial and surveillance operations in the western sea area were coordinated from here.
- INS Kadamba proved decisive in quick response and force projection during the operation.
According to defense sources, the active role of Karwar Base in Operation Sindoor strengthened the Indian Navy’s dominant presence in the Arabian Sea and helped in effectively neutralizing potential maritime threats. In such a situation, finding a GPS tracking device made in China in Seagull is enough to alert the security agencies. In view of the strategic importance of the area, caution is being exercised.
bird kept under observation
The seagull is currently kept for observation in the Marine Forest Division office. Officials are trying to make formal contact with the concerned research institute, so that the initiation, time frame and scope of the study can be clarified.
It is noteworthy that in November last year also, a war eagle fitted with a GPS device was seen in the Baithkol Port area of Karwar. That case was also later found to be related to wildlife research.
Concern due to proximity of INS Kadamba
This time the matter is being considered sensitive because this area is close to INS Kadamba, one of the most important bases of the Indian Navy. Sources say that GPS tracking is scientifically normal, but considering the location, it is necessary to investigate every aspect.
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