Harit Sagar Guidelines 2023
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has introduced the ‘Harit Sagar’ Green Port Guidelines 2023 to foster sustainable development in India’s port industry. Launched by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, these guidelines aim to revolutionize port development, operation, and maintenance while contributing to fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s Panchamrit commitments.
Promoting Ecosystem Dynamics
The ‘Harit Sagar’ Guidelines prioritize ecosystem dynamics in all aspects of port development. By aligning with the ‘Working with Nature’ concept, these guidelines minimize the impact on harbor ecosystem components. The goal is to foster sustainable growth while preserving and enhancing the ecological balance within port areas.
Minimizing Waste and Zero Waste Discharge
The primary objective of the ‘Harit Sagar’ Guidelines is to minimize waste and attain zero waste discharge from port operations. By following the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle, ports are encouraged to adopt practices that effectively manage waste and promote resource conservation. These guidelines pave the way for a circular economy approach within port operations, minimizing environmental harm and maximizing resource efficiency.
Contributing to Environmental Performance
The ‘Harit Sagar’ Guidelines provide a framework for major ports to develop an action plan for reducing carbon emissions within defined timelines. By implementing green initiatives and closely monitoring their progress, ports can actively contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while quantifiably reducing their carbon footprint. This aligns with the larger vision of achieving Zero Carbon Emission Goals and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
Recognizing Outstanding Achievements
The ‘Sagar Shreshtha Samman’ awards acknowledge exceptional achievements by major ports across various operational parameters. The Best Absolute Performance award was conferred upon Deendayal Port, Kandla, for handling the highest cargo volume, while Paradip Port received accolades for achieving the highest cargo growth rate. Cochin Port was recognized for its remarkable performance in turn-around-time for non-container ports, showcasing the commitment of these ports to excellence and sustainability.
Harmonizing Global Standards
The ‘Harit Sagar’ Guidelines align with global sustainability standards by providing provision for adopting the Green Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard. This ensures that ports comply with international sustainability reporting and transparency standards, enhancing their credibility and fostering collaboration at the international level. It enables Indian ports to showcase their commitment to environmental stewardship and positions them as leaders in sustainable port development.
Month: Current Affairs - May, 2023
Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs