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Norms proposed for implementing Sagar Mala programme

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI SEPT. 20. The Union Ministry of Shipping will come out with a set of `simple but fundamental principles' which will govern the implementation of the Rs. 100,000-crore Sagar Mala programme outlined by the Prime Minister, A. B. Vajpayee, recently, for overall development of the merchant marine and shipping sector, according to D. T. Joseph, Director-General of Shipping.

Addressing a meeting organised by the Hindustan Chamber of Commerce here on Thursday, Mr. Joseph said these principles might contain points such as equal treatment being meted out to the public and private sectors, a minimum (revised) draft of eight meters for major port location, carriage of cargo by the shortest route and commodity-oriented transport planning.

Emphasising the use of coastal shipping for transport of commodities in view of the cost effectiveness and eco-friendliness of water transport, Mr. Joseph said the shipping sector should try to attract transport of cement and coal away from the road/rail sectors.

He felt that in the present times, when efficiency and competitiveness in the market place alone would guarantee survival, there was no place for regulations like the cabotage law (which bans coastal trade plying by foreign vessels). He wanted the port users like trade to take the lead in formulating a proper shipping policy, grant of tonnage-based taxation for shipping companies and development of coastal and inland water transport.

M. P. Pinto, former Director-General, made a presentation highlighting the success of Gujarat in attracting private sector investment in port development and the poor record of most other coastal states in this regard.

Emphasising the need to develop small or minor ports and development of hinterland of these ports, he warned against `gigantism'. Tamil Nadu, which was the only State to have three major ports, was again trying to concentrate resources on a major port at Colachel, while projected outlays on the development of minor ports was a fraction of the outlay for Colachel, he pointed out.

The State had also failed to take advantage of the potential of the Buckingham Canal for development of cost-effective transportation that would also help economic progress of local communities.

Representatives of the Hindustan Chamber wanted surplus staff in ports retrained and redeployed and involvement of users in developing a strategic business plan for the ports.

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