GULF OF KHAMBHAT GENERAL INFORMATION Position The Gulf of Khambhat (21- 21N, 72- 22E) lies between the coast of Surat and Broach Districts to the E and the E side of the peninsula of Kathiawar to the W; it is entered between Gopnath Point (21- 12N, 72- 07E) and Suvali Point 30 miles ESE. Topography Malacca Banks lie in the fairway of the approach to the Gulf of Khambhat. The banks have deep channels on either side; Grant Channel , the W of these channels is the recommended approach to the gulf. East Side. The stretch of coast is heavily indented with creeks and rivers, it is fringed onshore with thick groves of trees; offshore it is fronted by extensive drying sandbanks and areas of shoal water which extend up to about 9 miles in places. The shoreline, between Tena Creek (21- 13N, 72- 38E) and the entrance to Sena River, 9 miles N, is covered with thick groves of palmyra trees. At its N end, the coast from Luhara Point(21- 39N, 72- 33E) to Bin Creek, 5 miles N, consists of fairly high sandhills; thence to Gandhar Village, which has a number of prominent buildings, 11 miles farther NE, the coast is low, sandy and muddy. West Side. The coast is low and fringed with sandhills from Gopnath Point to Mithivirdi, a small village 19 miles NNE; thereafter to Kuda Point, 91/2 miles farther NNE, it is fairly high with some ravines near the coast. This coastline is generally straight except for the bay, into which the Shetrunji River flows, lying between Gopnath Point and Alang, 13 miles NNE; N of Alang, it is fringed by a reef which extends about 1 mile offshore in places and 13/4 miles in the vicinity of Kuda Point. Head of Gulf. Mal Bank (21- 55N, 72- 22E) dominates much of the head of the Gulf of Khambhat which is surrounded by a channel; and by extensive drying coastal sandbanks which extend up to 5 miles off the mainland. The coastline is generally covered with mangrove jungle, which extends well inland. Depths Southern part of the Gulf of Khambhat is deep but its Northern part is much encumbered by sandbanks which shift under the influence of tidal bores and freshets borne down by rivers. Much shoaling is reported to have taken place in the entrance to the gulf and mariners should navigate with caution in this area. Old surveys are the base for the chart of the area near and N of Mal Bank (21- 55 N, 72- 22E), therefore full reliance cannot be placed on the depths shown on this chart. Tidal stream The relevant parts of the section describe the details of tidal stream. Traffic Ocean going vessels can proceed into the Gulf of Khambhat as far as Piram Island (21- 36 N, 72- 21E). Bhavnagar Port Development There are developmental plan to improve the facilities at the port of Bhavnagar. There are number of commercial jetties being constructed in port Dahej, consequently some major industrial plants are under construction. SOUTH PART OF GULF OF KHAMBHAT General information Route The route leads 17 miles NE from a position SSE of Gopnath Point (21- 12N, 72- 07E) to the vicinity of position 21- 21N, 72- 22 E, where it is joined by the route from SE, then it leads a farther 19 miles N to a position NE of Piram Island. Topography For a general description of the topography on the W and E sides of the route. Depths In the vicinity of the route, the depths should be checked regularly because they fluctuate considerably; attention is drawn to the variation in depths which may be experienced. Tidal streams Information for the S and W sides of the Gulf of Khambhat is shown on the chart. The in-going stream sets N and the out-going stream S on the E side of the gulf, except where the direction is altered by sandbanks. Principal marks Landmarks: Temple (21- 21N, 72- 02E), stands on the conical summit of Talaja Hill which rises from a level plain. Palitana Mountain (21- 29 .5 N, 71- 48 .0 E) (8.104). Khokhra Hills (21- 36 .5 N, 72- 06 .0 E), the summit, 297 m high, standing near the N end of this range is conspicuous. Offshore mark: Piram Island Light (white round masonry tower, black bands, 27 m in height) (21- 35 .9 N, 72- 21 .2 E) stands on the ruins of an old bastion near the middle of the island. Major lights: Gopnath Point Light (21- 12 .2 N, 72- 06 .6 E) (8.104). Piram Island Light-as above. Hazira Light (21- 05 .5 N, 72- 38 .6 E) (8.46). Directions Cautions Less water than charted was reported to exist about 5 miles SE of Gopnath Point (21- 12N, 72- 07E), the general area is shown on the chart; see also 8.105. Route The route leads 17 miles NE from a position SSE of Gopnath Point to the vicinity of position (21- 21N, 72- 22E), where it is joined by the route from SE (8.49), then it leads a farther 19 miles N to a position NE of Piram Island, passing (with positions from Alang Light (21- 24 .2 N, 72- 11 .l E). SE of a stranded wreck (12 miles SSW), which is partly visible above water, lying close off the end of a drying reef that extends 11/2 miles ENE of Gopnath Point. Then to: SE of Gopnath Shoals (101/2 miles S), which consist of a drying reef with several shoal patches; they are steep-to on their E side. Then to: SE of Sultanpur Shoals (6 miles S) consisting of drying rock, sand, clay and numerous shoal patches which extend W from their the N end to the coastal reef. A light-buoy (red, can) is moored off the S end, and a stranded wreck which is partly visible above water lies at the N end, of these shoals. Then to: NW of the N extremity of the Malacca Banks (13 miles ESE) to the vicinity of 21- 21N, 72- 22 E, Then to: E of Piram Island (15 miles NE), an island composed of sand and surrounded by a reef. At the S end of the island are some trees and cultivation and, there are a few mangrove trees fringing the NE side; a village lies close N of the lighthouse which stands near the centre of its SW edge. And: To the vicinity of the pilot boarding place situated 5 miles NE of Piram Island. Useful marks West side of Gulf of Khambhat: Alang Light (white 6.sided masonry tower, black bands, 24 m in height) (21- 24 .2 N, 72- 11 .l E). Nishkalank Mahadev Temple (21- 36 .0 N, 72- 17 .5 E) lies near the edge of foul ground extending from the coast. Kuda Point (21- 38N, 72- 18E) has a thick clump of trees on it, which is prominent from N or S and a white bungalow which shows up well from E during the forenoon. East side of Gulf of Khambhat: Towers of Silence (21- 13 .7 N, 72- 41 .4 E), two towers which stand on the N bank of Tena Creek. Bhagva Creek Light (metal framework tower, 26 m in height) (21- 18 .8 N, 72- 36 .8 E), stands 1 mile SW of Dandi Village; the structure is reported to be difficult to distinguish, from a distance of a few miles, even in favourable light conditions. Oil derrick (21- 31N, 72- 33E) which is used for hydrocarbon exploitation; a light is exhibited from the structure. Luhara Point Light (white metal tower, red spiral, 24 m in height) (21- 39 .5 N, 72- 32 .9 E), stands on Luhara Point at the N entrance point of the Narmada River; it is backed by sandhills upto 24 rn high and surrounded by low-lying terrain. A stranded wreck ties about 1 mile W of the light. Anchorages, creeks, rivers, and side channels on the east side of the Gulf of Khambhat Tena Creek Tena Creek (21- 13N, 72- 37E), which leads to the Tapi River from a position N of Suvali Bank, is shallow and is only suitable for local boats. Bhagva Channel Bhagva Channel (21- 17N, 72- 33E) is situated between Outer Bhagva Sand, a patch of sand orientated NNE/SSW which dries in places, lying about 6 miles offshore, and the coastal bank fringing the shore to the E; there is a shallow flat at the S end of the channel. Only small vessels uses the channel with local knowledge. An unnamed channel situated W of Bhagva Channel and lying between Outer Bhagva Sand and Gulwala Bank 3 miles W, is not normally used. This channel is intricate because of numerous shoals, sandbanks and strong tidal streams; local knowledge is essential. Kim River Kim River (21- 27N, 72- 41E) dries at its entrance, it is suitable only for local boats. Narmada River General information. Narmada River enters the gulf between the N entrance point of Kim River (21- 27N, 72- 41E) and Luhara Point, 14 miles NNW; the river is tidal to Ratnapur, 55 miles from its entrance, but it can only be navigated by vessels drawing more than 1.8 m about 3 hours either side of high water. The river s wide estuary, much of which dries, is encumbered with the following features. Alia Bet, a large island occupying the centre of the estuary is low and covered with small scrub. Kerselea Bank, on the N side of the estuary, is a large bank of mud and sand which dries. Bar Sands, which dry, lie close off the S end of the drying coastal bank which extends SSW and W from Luhara Point; the sands are marked on their W side by a buoy (red, conical). Bharuch Roads Position. Bharuch Roads (21- 35N, 72- 30E) lie W of the entrance to Narmada River. Tidal stream. The in-going stream at the anchorage sets N until about 1 hour after the time of local high water, the out-going stream sets S. Anchorage. Vessels may obtained anchorage in the roads, with Luhara Point Lighthouse (21- 39 .5 N, 72- 32 .9 E) bearing 028- distant 5 miles, in a depth of about 16 m, mud; as shown on the chart. Communication, there is regular communication with Bombay and Bhavnagar by sea. Bharuch Channel General information. Bharuh Channel, (21- 38N, 72- 33E) forms the principal entrance to the Narmada River, it leads W and N of Kerselea Bank; a vessel may pass either N or S of Bar Sands, the N passage had a least charted depth (1989) of 1.8 m near its entrance. Within the bar the channel is fairly deep as far E as Ambheta, a village 31/4 miles NE of Luhara Point; above this point the channel is shallow and intricate. Tidal levels. For Ambheta there is a mean spring range about 6.8 m and a mean neap range about 3.8 m. See information in Tide Tables. Tidal streams. The in-going stream flows for 1 hour after the time of high water, sometimes attaining a rate of about 6 kn; the out-going stream sets strongly and occasionally runs for 1 hour after the time of low water. Near Bharuch, 30 miles from the entrance, the in-going stream runs for 3 hours only and the out-going for 9 hours. Heavy overfalls occur at the outer edge of the bar on the in-going stream. Pilotage. Pilots for the river can generally be obtained at the bar. Storm signals are displayed by using the brief system. See 1.48. Anchorage, river, side channel and landing on the west side of the Gulf of Khambhat Sultanpur General information. Sultanpur (21- 18N, 72- 06E) is a small port about 1 mile within the Shetrunji River which enters the Gulf of Khambhat W of Sultanpur Shoals; Talaja, another small port, lies about 41/2 miles upstream. Tidal streams. At springs, the in-going stream within Sultanpur Shoals, does not turn for more than 1 hour after the time of high water and the out-going stream continues 11/2 hours after low water; at neaps the in-going stream turns 2 hours after the time of high water. Caution. For approaching the anchorage local knowledge is considered essential. Anchorage. A small vessel can anchor, between Sultanpur Shoals and the drying reef extending about 11/2 miles from the coast on each side of the Shetrunji River entrance, in depths of 21/2 to 3 m. Storm signals are displayed near Talaja by using the brief system. See 1.48. Alang General information. Alang anchorage (21- 30N, 72- 20E) is a major shipbreaking area. Ships are beached for breaking twice a month at high water of over 10m. There is no restriction on the size of vessel, but vessels must arrive free of cargo. Notice of ETA. 72,48, and 24 hours notice is required. Anchorage. Anchorage is about 5 miles SSW of Piram Island in 11m of water. Communications. Airport at Bhavnagar, 50km distant. Useful marks. Alang light (21- 36N, 72- 21E) Channel W of Piram Island This narrow channel lies between Piram Island (21- 36N, 72- 21E) and Mallok Reef, a reef lying near the E edge of foul ground off Kuda Point. The channel should not be used, without local knowledge, as the tidal streams run through at a great rate and there is little slack water. A 6.1 m shoal patch lies in the fairway W of Piram Island Lighthouse. Piram Island-Landing There is a best landing site near the N end of the island on its W side. Bhavnagar Creek General information. Bhavnagar Creek (21- 47N, 72- 14E), formerly provided the port for Bhavnagar, it now provides a good safe harbour for sailing vessels and small craft. Topography. The coast consists of mud flats overgrown by low mangrove bushes and intersected by many small drying creeks. Approach and entry. The approach to the creek is through the S part of Malcolm Channel and entered between Howarth Point (21- 47 .6 N, 72- 14 .5 E) and the mainland 1 mile SW; the harbour is entered between Johnston Point (21- 48 .6 N, 72- 12 .8 E) and Bhavnagar Point, 11/4 miles WNW Directions: Caution. Due to silting and constant progress of dredging operations, depths in Bhavnagar Creek are liable to change; the banks and channels also change frequently making local knowledge essential. These constant changes to the channel prevent useful directions being given. Leading marks. Number of beacons are standing on the N side of the creek NW of Bhavnagar Point which lead up to and around this point; another pair of beacons standing on the S bank, 11/2 miles WSW of Bhavnagar Point, lead across the drying sandbank situated in mid-channel W of the point. The positions of the beacons are subject to alteration as required to conform to the channel. Useful marks: Rovapara Light (21- 46 .7 N, 72- 14 .0 E) (8.163). Johnston Point Light (white round concrete tower, 12 m in height) (21- 48 .6 N, 72- 12 .8 E). Bhavnagar Point Light (grey hut on piles) (21- 49 .0 N, 72- 11 .9 E). Bhavnagar Point Light-structure North Point Light (elevation 9 m) (21- 49 .7 N, 72- 11 .4 E). Old Port Light (tower, elevation 13 m) (21- 48 .3 N, 72- 09 .2 E). Repairs: A small dry dock of length 76.2 m, width 12.3 m, depth on sill at MHWS is 3.18 m. Other facilities: hospital; small tugs and lighters. Supplies: limited fresh water. HEAD OF THE GULF OF KHAMBHAT General information Position The head of the Gulf of Khambhat, described below, lies between Howarth Point (21- 47 .6 N, 72- 14 .5 E) and the mouth of Dhadhar River 16 miles E. Depths In the head of the Gulf of Khambhat, the coastal and offshore banks are subject to constant change. Off-lying banks and channels Mal Bank, a large sandbank in the centre of the head of the Gulf of Khambhat, extends about 14 miles N from its S point (21- 48N, 72- 21E). Malcolm Channel continues N along the W and NW sides of Mal Bank into Khambhat Channel which leads NE into the estuary of the Mahi Sagar River in the NE part of the gulf. Makra Bank, lying between the S part of Mal Bank and the coastal bank E, is a narrow shoal which almost dries near its centre. Local knowledge In the head of the Gulf of Khambhat; the channels, banks and rivers are liable to frequent change making local knowledge essential for their safe navigation. Tidal bores Tidal bores form near the entrance to the Sabarmati River in the NW part of the gulf; one travels up that river while another travels up Khambhat Channel and the Mahi Sagar River. Each sweeps through the channel and rivers as a line of disturbed and breaking water which tends to alter their configuration. The bore in the Mahi Sagar River may be as much as 2.4 m in height and attain a rate of 10 kn at the highest spring tides. The magnitude of the bore varies with the range of the tide; at neap tides it is not perceptible but becomes increasingly prominent as spring tides approach. The bore preceding the higher high water is greater than that preceding the lower of two successive high waters. During the passage of the bore, the in-going stream flows at a great rate, with the greatest rate being experienced about 45 minutes after the bore has passed, thereafter the rate diminishes. The bore in the Sabarmati River is similar but less pronounced. Directions General information In the head of the Gulf of Khambhat; channels and banks, being subject to great change as described previously, make directions for navigation of this part of the gulf as of general application only. Useful marks Devajagan Light (round stone column, 13 m in height) (21- 55 .0 N, 72- 32 .9 E) is exhibited from September to June. Towers of Silence (22- 18 .0 N, 72- 39 .3 E), two towers standing close together. Minor port and rivers Tankari General information. The Tankari town (21- 59N, 72- 40E), with a small port, lies on the E side of a shallow creek branching off the N side of Dhadhar River, 61/2 miles within its entrance; the creek is navigable only by small local craft. A custom house stands near the entrance to the creek. Tankari Road (21- 51N, 72- 29E), the roadstead off the entrance to Dhadhar River, lies between the coastal bank E and the shoal patches on the E side of Makra Bank on its W side; the road can be identified by Devajagan Lighthouse. Tidal stream. In Tankari Road, the in-going stream continues for about 1 hour after the time of high water; the streams attain a rate of 6 kn at springs. Anchorage. Vessels can anchor in the roadstead, but attention should be given to possible depth changes in the channel which runs through the road and to the shifting of banks lying on either side of the channel. Local knowledge is advisable. Dhadhar River Dhadhar River is entered through a narrow channel between sandbanks 6 miles S of Tankari Point intervals; some large rocks stand on the coastal reef in the vicinity of Sutrapara. (21- 55N, 72- 32E); in the fairway of the channel leading to the river, there are patches which nearly dry and in other places it is generally shallow with depths from 0.3 to 2.7 m. To enter this river, local knowledge is considered essential. Mahi Sagar River General information. Mahi Sagar River (22- 14N, 72- 35E) gives limited access to the vicinity of Khambhat, a town, situated on the N bank of the river at the head of the Gulf of Khambhgt. Tidal streams. The in-going stream sets NE into the Mahi Sagar River, the out-going stream sets SW, with a rate of 4 1/2 to 6 kn. Storm signals are displayed at Khambhat by using the brief system is used. See 1.48. Sabarmati River General information. Sabarmati River (22- 14N, 72- 22E) enters the Gulf of Khambhat in its NW corner; the river is about 200 miles long and near its estuary the shores are fairly high and well cultivated. Bore Rocks (22- 10N, 72- 24E) lie in the entrance to the river near Khambhat Channel. Shikotar Mata, a pagoda with a flagstaff, lies on the E bank of the river 81/2 miles N of Bore Rocks. Bhadar Creek enters Sabarmati River 61/2 miles WNW of Bore Rocks. Dholera, 6 miles within the creek, is one of the chief cotton marts in the Gulf of Khambhat but, because of silting, goods are stopped at Whittle Bandar, 11/2 miles from the creek entrance, and thereafter connected with Dholera by road. Local craft work cargo alongside the bank. Ahmedabad, an important industrial city famed for its cotton mills, lies 50 miles from the Sabarmati River entrance on its E bank. The city reflects an outstanding example of Islamic, Jain and Hindu architectural constructions as well as modern constructions. From a position S of Diu Head (20- 41N, 70- 50E) the route leads 33 miles WNW to a position SSW of Veraval Lighthouse.