Taking Advantage of India’s Waterways: A Review of State Maritime Committees
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) recently held a video conference to review the progress of State Maritime & Waterways Transport Committees (SMWTCs) set up in various Indian states. This initiative aims to bring a unified approach to developing the country’s maritime and waterways transport sector.
The meeting, chaired by MoPSW Secretary Shri TK Ramachandran, brought together senior officials from nearly 30 states and union territories. Ramachandran emphasized the importance of collaboration between central and state agencies to achieve the government’s vision of a robust and sustainable waterways system.
Key Areas of Focus
The discussions covered a wide range of topics crucial for the sector’s growth:
- State-Specific Master Plans: Developing customized plans for each state was a major focus. These plans will address the unique challenges and opportunities each region faces in maritime transport.
- Maritime Sector Policies: Formulating comprehensive policies to promote sustainable growth in the maritime sector is another key objective.
- Green Waterways: Discussions included exploring eco-friendly initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of the sector.
- Waterways Development: Enhancing existing waterways and developing new ones formed a significant part of the agenda. This includes projects like the Kochi Water Metro model, which could be replicated in other cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Goa.
- Cruise Tourism: Boosting tourism through cruise industry development was also discussed.
- Urban Water Transport: Improving urban water transport systems to ease traffic congestion was another point of focus.
- Lighthouses: Plans to develop lighthouses as tourist attractions while improving their navigational efficiency were addressed.
Sagarmala and Maritime Heritage
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Sagarmala Programme, a national initiative to develop India’s maritime infrastructure and logistics. Additionally, the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal was highlighted, aiming to preserve and showcase India’s rich maritime history.
States Take the Lead
The Secretary commended the proactive efforts of various states in developing their maritime sectors. MoPSW’s goal is to establish SMWTCs in all 30 states and UTs, ensuring every region benefits from this transformative sector. The Ministry pledged its support to states in addressing issues and implementing initiatives aligned with national maritime objectives.
Representatives from various states actively participated in the discussions. Some key examples include:
- Assam’s Transport Department emphasises its commitment to improving cargo transportation.
- Goa recommending the adoption of hydrogen cell technology and retrofitting initiatives for existing vessels.
- Maharashtra’s Maritime Board highlights the importance of GST relaxation and training programs for inland waterway personnel.
SMWTCs: A Collaborative Approach
Recognizing the need for a unified approach, MoPSW established SMWTCs. These state-level committees will play a crucial role in coordinating various initiatives and schemes within each state. Each SMWTC will be headed by a high-ranking official and include representatives from various departments like ports, maritime boards, tourism, fisheries, and others. Currently, 13 states have constituted SMWTCs, with plans to expand them to all coastal states and UTs.
The MoPSW’s video conference signifies a significant step towards realizing India’s potential in maritime and waterways transport. Through collaboration between central and state agencies, along with focused initiatives through SMWTCs, India can develop a robust and sustainable waterways system that benefits its economy, environment, and tourism industries.
