Maritime Newsletter

Paradip port fishing harbour to come under Orissa Government fold - 2010-07-05

According to the Union Shipping Ministry's decision, Paradip port is to be transferred to the State Government as the operation of a fishing harbour does not fall within the core activity of a major port. Besides, the port has incurred a huge loss, an estimated Rs 10 crore, by operating the harbour. The owners of fishing vessels and trawlers using the harbour do not pay landing charges to the port. In fact, they have gone to court challenging the decision of the port authorities to hike the rates. The present harbour, commissioned in 1996, is used by an estimated 500 boats. More importantly, the port had to spend a hefty amount on dredging to maintain the navigability of the Mahanadi river on which the harbour is located. The State Government is believed to have agreed in principle to take over the harbour, but, according to informed sources, is not very keen to compensate either by way of one-time payment for the proposed transfer of the harbour or the lease rental on the port land or to meet its accumulated liabilities. There is a proposal to transfer the management of the harbour to a committee comprising fishermen, representatives from the State Government and the PPT. The Orissa Government has urged the Centre to formulate a policy to provide rail and road connectivity to a number of minor ports proposed to be set up in the state, similar to those provided to major ports. The Union Shipping Secretary also visited Paradip and reviewed the performance of the port. During his visit, he laid the foundation stones for the construction of a railway line and dredging work for deep draught berths, inaugurated a newly constructed concrete road within the port area and inspected the rail receival station of mechanised coal handling berth. Source: Business Line