By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI: Government of India is committed to reduce the emissions from shipping sector and promote the development of net zero and low-emission solutions. By 2030, all the Major Ports are to be made fully self-sustainable on electricity. All the energy requirements of the port are to be met through renewable sources. Initiative also includes Green Warehousing utilizing green/ natural solutions such as natural light or energy efficiency lighting, automated and compact storage systems, roof top solar, using HVLS fans and rainwater harvesting, said Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
The Sagarmala programme is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to promote port-led development in the country through harnessing India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes. As a part of Sagarmala Programme, more than 800 projects at an estimated cost of around Rs. 5.5 lakh crore have been identified for implementation during 2015 to 2035 across all coastal states an Eastern and Western side of the country.
Sagarmala projects includes projects from various categories such as modernisation of existing ports and terminals, new ports, terminals, RoRo & tourism jetties, enhancement of port connectivity, inland waterways, lighthouse tourism, industrialization around port, skill development, technology centres, etc. Further, under holistic development of coastal districts, a total of 567 projects with an estimated cost of around Rs. 58,000 crore have been identified.
To develop global standard ports in India, Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 has identified initiatives such as developing world-class Mega Ports, transhipment hubs and infrastructure modernization of ports. MIV 2030 estimates the investments to the tune of Rs. 1,00,000–1,25,000 Crores for capacity augmentation and development of world-class infrastructure at Indian Ports.
Ministry has issued directions for Preparation of Comprehensive Master Plan for ports with planning horizon of 2047 on 25/4/2022. Indian Ports Association, an apex body of Major Ports, has been directed to integrate all Port’s Master Plan with respect to vision 2047 and prepare a comprehensive Plan & report for Major Ports.
Sagarmala is an ambitious national initiative aimed at unlocking the full potential of India’s coastline and waterways. The vision of this flagship program of Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways is to reduce logistics cost and catalyse port-led industrial and infrastructure development along the coastline.
As a part of Sagarmala Programme, more than 800 projects at an estimated cost of around 5.5 lakh crore have been identified for implementation during 2015-2035. Further, under holistic development of coastal districts, a total of 567 projects with an estimated cost of around Rs. 58,000 crore have been identified. The concept of “port-led development” and the projects identified there under, are focused on – Port Modernization, Port Connectivity, Port-led Industrialization, Coastal Community Development, and Coastal Shipping and Inland Water Transport.
