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Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Defence  

Speech of the President of India, Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at Standard Presentation to 47 Squdron and Tactic Development and Air Combat Development Establishment at Gwalior.

New Delhi: November 10, 2009

 

It gives me immense pleasure to be with you at Air Force Station Gwalior, a premier Indian Air Force Base, to award Standards to "47 Squdron" " Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment". Both have a rich history of valour and courage and have rendered distinguished service to the nation since their inception. These two units have put in tremendous effort as well as followed rigorous discipline in pursuit of excellence and set an example for others to emulate. For their selfless devotion, professionalism and courage in the face of their adversity, the nation honours them today with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation.

We believe that a strong defence and an offensive potential are essential to secure the country's interests. As a nation, we are firmly committed to peace but we will take all necessary action to safeguard the sovereignty of our nation. Our Armed Forces, exemplified by the men and women who stand before us, reflect our determination and readiness to protect our borders. We do not encourage conflict, but should it be thrust upon us, I am confident that our Armed Forces will take action valiantly and bring glory to the nation, as they have always done so in the past.

47 Squadron was formed on 18th December, 1959 at Air Force Station Halwara. The unit participated in operations during the India – Pakistan Conflict of 1965 in the Eastern Sector with its Toofani aircraft from Guwahati. The unit also participated actively in 1971 India – Pakistan operations. Other than Air Defence, a host f counter – Air Missions were also undertaken. 47 Squadron stands at the threshold of entering the 50th year of its glorious service to the nation. In this period, the Squadron has earned two Vir Chakras, one Ati Vishishth Seva Medal, one Vishishth Seva Medal, eight Vayu Sena Medals and four Mention-in-Dispatches. True to its motto "Karmani Vyapurutham Dhanuhu" the "Black Archers" remain ever prepared and ready to meet all tasks assigned to it.

Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment came into being as the Tactics and Development and Training Squadron on 1st February 1971 at Air Force Station, Adampur. In the same year, the squadron was relocated to Ambala from where it took part in the India – Pakistan War and earned one Vir Chakra, One Vayu Sena Medal, Thirteen Mention-in-Dispatches and four Commendations from the Air Officer Commanding in Chief. The unit was renamed in December 1972 as the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment and was relocated to Jamnagar. Its task was to evolve tactical procedures for fighter aircraft and impart training in operational doctrines and tactics. Today, it conducts prestigious courses for pilots and fighter controllers of the Indian Air Force. Only the best undergo these courses to form the sharp edge of our Air Force. TACDE has developed into a multifaceted organisation and, I am confident, that it will continue to innovate and excel.

In acknowledgement and recognition of their outstanding performances, I award Standards to both the units. On this occasion, I also take the opportunity to compliment the personnel of 47 Squadron and TACDE for their dedicated and selfless service to the nation. The nation is proud of you. I wish you and your families all the very best

Jai Hind

 

tks/vj/dk/kol/14:52 hrs. 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Defence  

President Awards Standards to 47 SQN, TACDE at Gwalior

New Delhi: November 10, 2009

 

The President of India and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil conferred the Presidential Standards to two premiere combat units of the IAF - No. 47 Squadron and Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) at an impressive presentation parade held at the Gwalior airbase, today.

The Standards were received in the presence of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik by Commanding Officer of No. 47 Squadron (Black Archers) Wing Commander Vikas Sharma and Commodore Commandant Air Vice Marshal Arup Raha, and subsequently by Commandant TACDE Group Captain Surat Singh and Commodore Commandant Air Marshal S Mukerji, , respectively.

An impressive parade comprising air warriors from both units as well those from the Gwalior airbase followed the Standard presentation. The President also released a First Day cover and a Brochure on the occasion.

A fly-past comprising AWACS flanked by two Su-30 MKI, a single Mig-21 (T-77), a vic each of three Mig-21s(T-96), Mig-27s, Mig-29s and Su-30 MKIs enthralled the onlookers. The IAF's helicopter display team – Sarang undertook a captivating display while a single Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft, the mainstay of the Gwalior airbase, displayed low-level aerobatics.

The President later interacted with the air warriors of the two Units and others from the airbase. Among the senior dignitaries present included Madhya Pradesh Governor Rameshwar Thakur, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh. Several other senior serving and retired officers of the two units were also present at the ceremony.

Later, addressing media persons on the sidelines of the Standards presentation, Air Chief formally announced the proposed flight of the President on a Su-30 MKI at Pune airbase on Nov 25.

 

tks/vj/dk/kol/14:53 hrs. 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Water Resources  

Consultative Committee meeting of Ministry of Water Resources held

New Delhi: November 10, 2009

 

Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, the Union Minister of Water Resources has said that we are facing two important challenges in the Water Sector. First is the issue of food security and the second important challenge is that of the impact of climate change, particularly on water resources. Addressing at the Consultative Committee Meeting of the Ministry of Water Resources on the subject "Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)" here yesterday, he said that water resources management plays an important role in the development of irrigation facilities and in improving the productivity and thereby ensuring food security. The Government of India laid considerable emphasis during the initial Five Years Plans and which resulted in considerable development of the irrigation potential. Irrigation potential at the beginning of the first plan was about 22.6 million hectares which at present is at the level of about 106 million hectares.

Shri Bansal opined that we have to go a long way to achieve the ultimate irrigation potential of about 140 million hectares. As a matter of fact, we have to work towards creation of irrigation potential beyond 140 million hectares through better water management practices. However, this is a challenging task. The easy and best options for the development of water resources projects have since been tapped and new water resources development projects are bound to be more challenging from the view point of hydrological features and topographical constraints.

The Minister said that today, we face many challenges in water sector, like declining per capita water availability, deterioration in water quality, decline in ground water table in some areas due to over-exploitation, etc. Of course, we continue to face recurring problems of flood and drought. These issues get further compounded when we look at the future scenario. With population growth, industrialization and urbanization, the water demand for various purposes is increasing day-by-day.

He expressed his concern that due to loss through evaporation and evapotranspiration, the available water is only of the order of 1869 billion cubic metre. Even these available water can not be fully utilized due to topographical constraints and hydrological features.

He emphsized that in order to overcome the temporal variations, we have to resort to various means of conservation of water resources. The high spatial variation can be addressed through various measures for diverting surplus water from identified regions to deficient basins or regions.

The Members of Parliament present include:- Dr. Prabha Kishor Taviad, Shri Ijyaraj Singh, Shri Gajendra Singh Rajukhedi, Shri Mohan Jena, Dr. Jyoti Mirdha, Shri G.S. Basavaraj, Shri Devji M. Patel, Dr. Kirodilal Meena (Lok Sabha) , Dr. Prabha Thakur, Smt. Syeda Anwara Taimur and Dr. Gyan Prakash Pilania (Rajya Sabha). The Secretary, M/o Water Resources Shri U.N.Pujiar and senior officers of the Ministry were present in the meeting.

 

sk/rs/dk/kol/14:53 hrs.