Sonowal gives update on progress of Sagarmala Programme
Twenty-six Sagarmala Programme projects worth Rs.22,700 crore are under development in Gujarat, said Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in an update to an international conference on 12 Sept 2022.
Thirty-three projects worth over Rs.25,000 crore are under implementation while 15 projects worth Rs.9,000 crore have been completed in the state, he said at the International Conference on Green Ship Recycling and Vehicle Scrapping in Gandhinagar.
He said that the 74 Sagarmala Programme projects, worth Rs.57,000 crore, have given impetus to the thriving maritime sector in Gujarat with projects such as port modernisation, rail, road, cruise tourism, RO-RO & passenger jetties, fisheries, coastal infrastructure and skill development.
India is a leading destination for ship recycling and the planned doubling of capacity of Alang-Sosiya shipyard in Gujarat will create a large number of employment opportunities and bring in more economic prosperity to Gujarat and the country, he noted.
State Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel pointed out that Gujarat is now moving towards port-led development.
Just as Gujarat has been dominant in ship breaking-recycling sector, it will also be in green recycling, he said, adding that his state has the potential and the political will to become a hub for green ship recycling.
“The State government is committed to making Gujarat a global centre for green recycling,” said Patel.
Also, Alang has a well-developed ecosystem and capacity for vehicle scrapping and will contribute majorly to the vehicle scrapping policy.
The International Conference on Green Ship Recycling and Vehicle Scrapping showcased the current status of ship recycling industry in Gujarat and the adoption of HKC Convention compliances.
The conference also facilitated discussion on how the EU shipping industry can take advantage of ship recycling facilities in Gujarat, and explore partnerships with EU member countries. fiinews.com
