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The Maharashtra government today announced policies for non-conventional energy and minor port development in the State. It also announced ₹2,682 crore fiscal support over next five years for developing green energy sources.
Maharashtra has about 720 km of coastline along with two major ports and 48 minor ports. Operations of the major ports are managed by the Centre while minor ports are managed by Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).
MMB to clear plans A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office said that the MMB would be made the single authority for providing all clearances and incentives to shipping and port sector. A separate company called Maharashtra Port Connectivity Corporation (MPCC) would also be set up for providing rail connectivity to the ports.
The policy covers aspects such as shipbuilding and repair, inland waterways, coastal shipping and port based industrial development.
Shipbuilding park A Shipbuilding Park is to be set up on PPP basis. The MMB will assist in identifying a suitable location, land acquisition and developing basic infrastructure required for shipbuilding and repairing. The developers will have to pay the land cost and the development cost of the site.
Rail connectivity to the ports would be provided by the MPCC. Bodies such as MMB, Sagarmala Development Company (Shipping Ministry subsidiary) and the state industries department will have equity participation in MPCC.
For developing the rail link, MPCC will float a special purpose vehicle. However, road connectivity of the port with the nearest state or national highway would be the responsibility of the port developer.
Non-conventional energy Under the new policy, municipal corporations and councils would be asked to amend the development control rules so that installing of solar water heaters becomes compulsory for new buildings.
Over the next five years ₹2,682 crore will be given as subsidy to government offices for installing green energy equipment as solar pumps, solar steam cookers and power generating plants based on bio waste.
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