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Title: Need to sanction the proposal of the Government of Gujarat for development of Magdalla and other ports.
SHRI KASHIRAM RANA (SURAT): India is blessed with a long coastline of 7500 kilometers with 13 major Ports and 187 Non-Major Ports which can be provided with energy efficient mode of transportation and is environment-friendly too. Coastal shipping plays an important role in transportation of cargo. This mode of transportation is safe and also approachable by small traders who can send their parcels along with the coast of India. Though potential is high, still we find coastal shipping in India hasnot really picked up and the percentage is around 8-10%
Government of India has identified certain minor ports for handling coastal cargo in the States of Orissa, Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Coastal traffic handled by GMB ports during the year 2004-05 was 202.75 lakh M.T. and in 2006-07 it was approximately 230 lakh M.T.
The Government of Gujarat has sent proposal, to develop Magdalla and other ports to D.G. Shipping and again as required by Government of India, revised proposal was sent by Government of Gujarat. Till now, no decision has been taken by the Government.
Sir, I urge upon the Government to sanction the proposal immediately.