The Maharashtra NCC Directorate has launched the ‘Konkan Ratna’ sailing expedition to promote sea conservation and coastal safety. This 10-day open sea journey began on 05 November 2024 from Ultra Tech Jetty, Ratnagiri, and was flagged off by Brigadier Abhijeet S Valimbe, Group Commander of NCC Group HQ, Kolhapur.
Led by Commander K Rajesh Kumar from the No. 02 (Mah) Naval Unit NCC, Ratnagiri, the expedition’s theme, “Hamara Samunder – Hamari Shaan,” aims to spread awareness about keeping the sea clean (Samudri Swachhta), preventing smuggling (Taskari), and promoting coastal security (Suraksha).
The team of 60 cadets—31 boys and 29 girls from NCC units across Maharashtra—will cover 122 nautical miles, traveling from Ratnagiri to Boriya and back. Along the way, they will stop at fishing ports like Mirya Bandar, Kalbadevi, and Jaigad. During these stops, they will present poems, lectures, and plays to educate local communities on protecting the sea.
Before the expedition, the cadets trained in seamanship, sailing, and boat handling at a special camp from 15 to 24 October in Ratnagiri. The team is using three 27-foot DK Whaler boats for the journey.
Support for the mission comes from the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy, which is providing communication tools and safety equipment. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai and the Indian Coast Guard are on standby for emergency assistance.
This initiative highlights the efforts of the Maharashtra NCC and its partners to raise awareness about maritime conservation along the Konkan coast.