Panjim (Goa) [India], September 12 : Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Mormugao Port on Thursday to inspect the upcoming International Cruise Terminal.
He toured the construction site of the new terminal building and experienced the port's state-of-the-art facilities with a yacht ride. Also, as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, the Minister also planted a sapling in the premises of the Mormugao Port.
"With the new Cruise Terminal at Mormugao Port, we are setting a benchmark for excellence, aiming to provide the kind of facilities that will help us meet our target of 1.5 million cruise tourists by 2030," Sonowal said.
Sonowal briefed the media about the 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting, which is set to take place in Goa tomorrow.
He further mentioned, "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, MoPSW is advancing ambitious projects worth Rs 24,000 crore in Goa under Sagarmala to transform India's maritime sector. The Maritime State Development Council will review the progress of these initiatives, including the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, as we align with our future targets. By bringing all stakeholders from coastal states together, MoPSW aims to create world-class infrastructure."
The Union Minister will also preside over the 20th meeting of the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC), set to take place on 12th and 13th September 2024 in Goa.
This crucial event will bring together Chief Ministers, Senior Ministers from Coastal States, and Administrators of Union Territories (UTs). Senior officials from all nine coastal states, four UTs, and representatives from various Union government ministries and departments will also be in attendance.
The 20th MSDC meeting will address several key maritime initiatives critical to India's maritime future. A primary focus will be the review of the Sagarmala Programme, assessing its progress and outlining future plans to drive port-led development.
Strategic discussions will also be held on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat, highlighting efforts to preserve and showcase India's rich maritime history. Another topic of discussion will be the development of the country's inland waterway network, with proposals aimed at enhancing cargo and passenger transport also being evaluated.
Additionally, the meeting will deliberate on improving road and rail connectivity to ports, facilitating smoother movement of goods and passengers. Innovative state-led initiatives will also be showcased, including Kerala Maritime Board's strategies to monetise dredging activities, Gujarat Maritime Board's urban development projects linked to port activity, and Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board's comprehensive master plan for maritime growth.
Environmental sustainability will be a key theme of the meeting, with a special focus on reducing pollution at Goa Port by curbing the handling of dirty cargo. The discussions align with broader efforts to promote cleaner, more sustainable port operations and enhance Goa's appeal as a destination for both tourists and residents.
In addition, discussions will be held on the compliance status of Major and Non-Major ports, strategic plans to boost the shipbuilding and ship repair industries, the review of Sagar Aankalan guidelines, and improvements to the port ranking system in India.
The MSDC, established in 1997, serves as the apex advisory body for the development of India's maritime sector. The primary aim of the body is to promote the integrated growth of Major and Non-Major ports in close coordination with state governments. The Council, chaired by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, comprises of ministers responsible for ports from all maritime states, administrators of UTs, and key stakeholders, including representatives from the Navy, Coast Guard, and other agencies.
This pivotal gathering reaffirms the government's commitment to advancing India's maritime infrastructure, boosting port connectivity, and fostering sustainable growth for the maritime sector. The integration of Minor Ports with Major Ports and new proposals for roads, railways, and Inland Water Transport (IWT) will pave the way for a robust maritime economy.