Salaya Lighthouse

Salaya is a minor port about 73 km south-west of Jamnagar. A mechanized boat is to be hired from Salaya Port to reach Karumbhar (Kalubhar) islet Lighthouse. The mechanized boat takes about an hour during favourable tide.Salaya is an important tidal port after Bedi, providing shelter to all types of country crafts. An MG rail link was provided to Salaya port earlier that was removed in 1980. Salaya was the only port of erstwhile state of Nawanaagar (Jamnagar) till the development of port at Bedi during 1870s. Lighthouse at Kalubhar was to provided to facilitate entry of vessels to Salaya port. Karumbhar (Kalubhar) islet is made up of sand, mud, and is fringed by mangroves. Around the islet is the vast reef, which dries up during the low tides. The Lighthouse tower was built by the Port Administration of Navanagar State during 1881-84 and an oil lamp inside a Lantern was placed on the tower. It was at that time called Patarpur beacon. Arrangement of dwellings for LH staff and visiting officials is available at the station.In 1903 the oil lamp was replaced by improved wick lamp inside the dioptric optic placed on Cast Iron pedestal. The oil lamp was replaced by a DA gas flashing light in 1950. During 1970 the tower was modified and its height was raised. Optical equipment of 375 mm size (BBT make) inside a lantern house was installed in 1974. The optic assembly was being rotated by gas motors. In the year 1980 a Dal’en mixer equipment (AGA make) was introduced in place of gas motors which was commissioned into service on 21st March 1980. An Electronic flasher (JLWL), Batteries charged by Solar Photo Voltaic panels and halogen lamp inside 500 mm optic (AGA make) in place of the 375mm optical equipment was installed and commissioned into service on 27th September 1994.