SAGAR SAMRIDDHI
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, introduced the 'Sagar Samriddhi' online dredge monitoring system as part of the ministry's 'Waste to Wealth' initiative. The National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) developed the system, which replaces the old Draft and Loading Monitor system and offers improved efficiency and transparency.
SAGAR SAMRIDDHI: Key Points
• In addition, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways updated its 'Dredging Guidelines for Major Ports' to outline the planning and preparation, technical investigations, dredged material management, and cost estimation procedures for dredging projects, including enabling ports to formulate and complete them within specified timelines.
• The ministry issued an addendum in March 2023 for the disposal of dredged material, which would reduce the cost of dredging, and the online system would facilitate cost reduction along with increased efficiency and transparency.
SAGAR SAMRIDDHI: Aim
The ministry aims to develop major ports into trans-shipment hubs with deep drafts of over 18 meters as part of its Maritime India Vision 2030.
About NTCPWC’:
• The NTCPWC’ establishment under the Sagarmala Programme of MoPSW has invested INR 77 crores, and it aims to promote research and development for the marine sector to create a robust marine industry in India.
• The centre is dedicated to fostering marine industry research and development, with the ultimate goal of developing a strong marine sector in the country.
• Equipped with state-of-the-art 2D and 3D investigation capabilities, the centre offers top-notch research and consultancy services for the Port, Coastal, and Waterways sector in all disciplines.
• The centre’s expertise lies in a range of areas, including Ocean modelling, Coastal & Estuarine Flows, Sediment transport and morph dynamics, Navigation and Manoeuvring planning, Dredging and Siltation estimation, Port and Coastal Engineering consultancy, designing Structures and Breakwaters, Autonomous Platforms and vehicles, Experimental and CFD modelling of flow and Hull interaction, Hydrodynamics of multiple hulls, and Ocean renewable energy coupled with port facilities.
The centre has already made significant contributions in enhancing the marine sector’s optimisation capabilities. The laboratories at the centre are among the best in comparison to other international labs in the Ministry’s specific domain.