8 MoUs inked for greener ports in Gujarat

Of the 63 MoUs amounting to Rs1 lakh crore for the development of state’s ports, eight were signed on Friday in the presence of chief minister Narendra Modi during the sixth Vibrant Gujarat Summit- 2013. The MoUs were signed with the state government in connection with development of the existing ports as well as converting them into environmental-friendly or green ports.

Talking to reporters during the event, Principal Secretary, Ports and Transport, IP Gautam said that the MoUs worth Rs1 lakh crore will be signed in two days.   

The seminar was opened by newly-appointed minister for water resources, agriculture, animal husbandry and cow protection, Babu Bokharia. Addressing the gathering the minister said that Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has gradually developed Gujarat as a leading state among all the six coastal states of the country. GMB had ensured that India’s first private port at Pipavav and Alang – the world’s largest ship breaking yard are properly developed, he said.

The seminar started immediately after the inaugural event of VGGIS. Experts from different segments discussed about ‘Mounting Sustainability in Ports and Port-led Development’, wherein the emphasis was on green port harbours and sustainable development of ports.

Other subjects like maritime human resources and other issues related to skill development in connection to ports were discussed in the seminar. In presence of executives from eight companies, Modi facilitated the signing of MoUs for port development in the state.