Karwar: As coastal and maritime security assumed greater importance after the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998, the pending Seabird Naval project got the much needed boost in 1999 when George Fernandes headed the defence ministry in the Vajpayee government.

The naval project was not the only link Uttara Kannada had with George. He also made a major contribution to the Konkan Railway which is now the lifeline of transport system along the West Coast.After India-Pakistan war in 1971, there were security challenges in the West Coast and therefore the Navy proposed a base at Karwar. The then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi laid the foundation stone in 1986 for the construction of naval base at Karwar, called ‘Seabird Project’. As usual land acquisition and rehabilitation of affected people were delayed for decades. In 1999, George approved the construction of naval base and the work commenced a year later.

To solve problems associated with the land acquisition for the naval base, he met the Karnataka Chief Minister. After several discussions, George sanctioned Rs 126 crore for the relocation of land losers of 13 villages.

He visited Karwar many times and inspected works to ensure that the project was expedited. As the result of his interest in the project, it was completed within five years and the base was inaugurated in 2005.