Team Herald
MARGAO: In a significant move to boost Goa’s maritime sector, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced the Central Government’s initiative to transform Goa into a prominent global cruise destination. The announcement came during the final day of the 20th Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) meeting held in Benaulim.
Sonowal outlined a vision to enhance the Mormugao Port, one of Goa’s key maritime assets, into an eco-friendly port. He emphasized that a proposed dome facility at Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) would play a crucial role in minimizing coal pollution by enabling coal stacking in a controlled environment. This move is expected to significantly reduce the environmental impact of coal handling in the port area.
The union minister stressed the importance of improving road and rail connectivity to ports, highlighting the need for seamless multimodal transportation to facilitate smoother movement of goods and passengers. He stated that environmental sustainability would be a key theme, with special attention given to reducing pollution at Goa Port by curbing the handling of dirty cargo.
Later, in his address, Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, stressed upon the importance of bolstering the state’s maritime sector as part of efforts to preserve its rich maritime heritage. Sawant stated that the Goa government is aligning its efforts with central schemes, such as the Sagarmala program, which focuses on port development and enhancing maritime infrastructure.
Sawant also emphasized several key areas for future focus, including coastal community development, port-led industrialization, sustainable marine ecosystem protection, and the implementation of digital and smart port solutions. He expressed confidence that the meeting would lay out a clear roadmap for the port-led development of states, contributing to the larger vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.
Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira called on the Central Government to approve the construction of nine new community jetties under the Sagarmala project. Sequeira noted that these jetties would not only improve connectivity but also support the livelihoods of coastal communities who depend heavily on these waterways for transportation and commerce.
The MSDC meeting brought together Chief Ministers, senior ministers from coastal states, administrators of Union Territories, senior officials from all nine coastal states, four UTs, and representatives from various Union Government Ministries and Departments. Over 100 issues from various states were deliberated and successfully resolved during the two-day event.
The gathering focused on port infrastructure modernization, connectivity, statutory compliances, maritime tourism, navigation projects, sustainability, and port security. New and emerging challenges were addressed, including the establishment of Places of Refuge for ships in distress, the development of radioactive detection equipment infrastructure at ports to enhance security, and the facilitation of seafarers by recognizing them as key essential workers.
Sonowal also highlighted discussions on the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Gujarat and the importance of developing the country’s inland waterway network. He mentioned that the meeting showcased innovative state-led initiatives, including Kerala Maritime Board’s strategies to monetize dredging activities and Gujarat Maritime Board’s urban development projects linked to port activity.
The Sagarmala program, a flagship initiative approved by the Union Cabinet in 2015, envisions a total of 839 projects with an estimated investment of Rs 5.79 lakh crore, slated for completion by 2035. Out of these, 262 projects, amounting to approximately Rs 1.40 lakh crore, have already been completed, while another 217 projects, valued at around Rs 1.65 lakh crore, are currently under active implementation.
Sonowal emphasized that the integration of Minor Ports with Major Ports and new proposals for roads, railways, and Inland Water Transport will pave the way for a robust maritime economy. He added that the outcomes of this 20th MSDC meeting are expected to have far-reaching implications for India’s maritime future.
The minister also mentioned recent developments in the maritime sector, including the foundation stone laying of India’s 13th major port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra and the designation of Galathea Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a ‘Major Port’. These projects, with investments of Rs 76,220 crores and Rs 44,000 crores respectively, demonstrate the government’s commitment to expanding and modernizing India’s port infrastructure.