The State is considering installing Vessel Traffic and Port Management System (VTPMS) at major seaports, to enable safe navigation to monitor international vessels carrying hazardous cargo transiting waters, terrorist landings and suspicious movements undersea.
When installed, the VTPMS will help monitor shipping lanes and separation schemes to enforce compliance of safe navigation regulation, assist Coast Guards and other authorities, detect oil spills and improve overall port efficiency.
“The VTPMS is designed to improve security and navigational safety at sea and river ports,” a senior official said. The system has been proposed by the Captain of Ports and been forwarded to the State government for consideration.
The State has nine minor ports and one major port – Mormugao Port Trust – and the commercial jetties including 19 in North and 13 in South Goa.
“The coast of Goa faces an increased threat from oil spills from passing ships, port activities, petro chemical exploration and exploitation activities. Oil spills have a serious economic impact on coastal activities like tourism, fisheries and aquaculture,” the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) annual report 2014-15 states.
As such the Board has drafted the Goa State Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan, to address oil spills that may affect the coastline and recommends necessary preventive measures to the highly sensitive areas and shorelines of the States.
