Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal today unveiled key sustainable projects after inaugurating three freshwater lakes at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. All these lakes have been rejuvenated and beautified which will serve as important reservoirs for rainwater harvesting and habitat restoration. He also reviewed various port infrastructure and development projects.
He also attended the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between JN Port Authority (JNPA), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Wadhawan Port to enhance financing for infrastructure projects. The second MoU was signed between JNPA and Gateway Terminals India (GTI) to promote sustainability initiatives of the port.
Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Our ports are our country’s greatest asset, which must be utilised to power the economic growth of ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Bharat so that it can fulfil the dream of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. The sustainable development drive at our ports is a key component of advancing India’s maritime infrastructure and contributing to the nation’s development under the ‘Developed India’ vision. It is a moment of great pride that we have named these three ancient lakes in honour of revered saints of Maharashtra, Sant Gyaneshwar Maharaj, Sant Eknath Maharaj and Sant Namdev Maharaj. With the replenished and revitalised lakes, I am sure these efforts will further the sustainability efforts at JN Port.”
He also laid the foundation stone of the Smart SEZ project. The project includes preventing intrusion into the premises, ensuring disciplined movement of vehicles, streamlining gate operations, smart tracking of employees and vehicles, as well as extending network connectivity to all utility buildings for LAN users. The project aims to provide the necessary infrastructure for future applications such as energy management systems, smart water management, smart street lighting, smart parking and webridges. Sonowal also planted a sapling under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative at the JNPA SEZ.