SPECIAL FEATURE: MAHARASHTRA

Small ports as a priority

A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

FOR a State with a coastline of 720 km, the paucity of well-serviced small ports in Maharashtra stands out like a sore thumb. But that is about to change. The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has made the development of small ports a priority issue. Most small ports have so far been used by local fishing fleets, but the spread of industry in the State and the cost-effectiveness of water transport has meant that everyone, from big corporate houses to small businesses, wants the development of smaller ports.

Apart from the obvious advantages to users, the MMB says, the development of these ports will "ensure balanced development along the coast". The MMB, which was formed in 1996 for the purpose of developing minor ports, is all set to improve the existing 48 minor ports in the State. Over and above this, 35 creeks and rivers have been identified as having the potential for the construction of new ports.

At the top of the list of existing minor ports are Rewas-Aware and Dighi. Rewas-Aware is across the harbour from Mumbai and is one of the oldest ports in the region, dating back to pre-Independence days. It provides an invaluable service between the mainland and the island city. It is also an important stopover for coastal fishing fleets.

Further down the coast, the Dighi port is among the first privately operated ports. Located in the highly industrialised Raigad district, it has tremendous potential to become a multi-purpose port.

Four sites have been identified for small port development. They are Vadhavan in Thane district, Jaigad in Ratnagiri district and Vijaydurg and Redi in Sindhudurg district. The choice of these ports is an accurate reflection of the MMB's aim of "balanced development", since they stretch from the northern section of the State all the way to the southern half.

The ports will service a variety of cargo, from general cargo to ore, petroleum, oil and lubricant products, liquefied natural gas and cement, and also support the fishing and tourism industry. The development will be with private participation and on a BOOST (Build, Own, Operate, Share and Transfer) basis, with the MMB providing consultancy services, a regulatory framework and administrative control.

The MMB's Hydrographic Department will provide bathymetric data for identified areas and also undertake surveys relating to port development and High Tide Line delineation under Coastal Regulation Zone rules. The other important policy decision of the MMB is to lease out captive jetties to industries for their exclusive use. The idea has been operational for a while and has met with enough success for the MMB to pursue it further. Future captive jetties will be leased for 30 years. The construction of these jetties will be on a BOT basis.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail