Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2022 issued for feedback and suggestions

The draft Indian Ports Bill, 2022 (IP Bill 2022) has been prepared to consolidate and amend the laws relating to ports, for the prevention and containment of pollution at ports, to ensure compliance with the country’s obligations under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party, take  measures for conservation of ports, to empower and establish State Maritime Boards for effective administration, control and management of non-major ports, provide for adjudicatory mechanisms for redressal of port related disputes, establish a national council for fostering structured  growth and development of the port sector, ensure optimum utilisation of the coastline of India as may be necessary, and provide for matters ancillary and incidental thereto, or connected therewith.

It seeks to repeal and replace the existing Indian Ports Act, 1908 which is more than 110 years old. It has become imperative that the Act is revamped to reflect the present-day frameworks, incorporate India’s international obligations, address emerging environmental concerns, and aid the consultative development of the ports sector in the national interest, stressed a Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways release,

The primary objectives of the proposed IP Bill 2022 are to Promote integrated planning between States inter-se and Centre-States through a purely consultative and recommendatory framework,  

Ensure prevention of pollution measures for all ports in India while incorporating India’s obligations under international treaties,  Address lacunae in the dispute resolution framework required for the burgeoning ports sector and Usher in transparency and cooperation in development and other aspects through use of data.

Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has said that this bill will help in instilling confidence among more number of players, thereby increasing their participation and promoting healthy competition in the maritime sector. He added that it will lead to increased economic activity, wider markets, and a significant surge in associated employment possibilities.