Pirotan Lighthouse

There are 133 coral reefs and islets in the region of eastern side of the Gulf of Kutch starching from Salaya to Jodiya which formed the part of erstwhile state of Jamnagar (Nawanagar) prior to Independence. Most of the islets are barren. Pirotan is one of them. It is an important landmark for mariners approaching to Bedi Port.

Pirotan Island is 10 KM from North West of Rozi Island and approachable by boat or motor launch from Bedi Port (Jamnagar) after about one hour sailing. Up to the early part of 19th century, Salaya was the Main Port of Nawanagar state. As the Maritime activities in the region increased, the Rulers of Nawanagar developed lighterage port at Bedi (known then as Nagna Bandar) towards the end of the 19th century. To check incidences of piracy a sea police contingent was also organized with its base at Rozi Island.

A flagstaff on a stone mound was provided on a Pirotan Island in 1867. The first Lighthouse tower was constructed in 1898 on which a 5th order optical equipment with kerosene oil lamp giving fixed character was placed on 15th March 1898. The same equipment functioned for more than half a century and in the year 1950 the fixed light was replaced by a DA gas flashing light giving flash every 10 seconds.

The present 24 m height Lighthouse tower was built during 1955-57 in placed of the old tower. A 3rd order optical equipment with 55 mm PV burner and the lantern supplied by M/s Stone Chance and Co, Birmingham was installed. The Lighthouse was commissioned in February 1958.

In the year 1996 changing over to solar powered station was planned and a 70 W 230 V Metal Halide lamp replaced the PV burner. The Power supply system comprises of maintenance-free batteries charged by solar energy. The direct drive of the optical assembly using the stepper motor also integrated while retaining the clockwork mechanism as standby. The character of the light was modified to flash every 20 seconds. The system was commissioned into service on 31st December 1996. A Racon was installed on the lighthouse tower which was commissioned into operation in November 1999. The Lighthouse and other buildings were severely damaged during Bhuj Earthquake on 26/01/2001 and therefore remedial measures were carried out with consultation of IIT Madras and light was restored.The light source was improved by replacing it by a cluster of three 70W 230 V Metal Halide lamps in December 2003.

The entire Region surrounding Pirotan Island and nearby reefs is designated as a National Marine Park and is the home of a variety of rare marine species.

Master Ledger of Pirotan Lighthouse(605.09 KB)