union-minister-launches-harit-sagar-the-green-port-guidelines-2023

Harit Sagar Guidelines – 2023 envisages ecosystem dynamics in port development, operation and maintenance while aligning with ‘Working with Nature’ concept and minimizing impact on biotic components of harbor ecosystem.

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has launched ‘Harit Sagar’ Green Port Guidelines 2023 to achieve the Zero Carbon Emission Goal.

Sagar Shreshtha Samman awards were also conferred to major ports for their exceptional achievements in various operational parameters.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has introduced “Harit Sagar,” the Green Port Guidelines, to fulfill the greater objective of achieving the Zero Carbon Emission Goal. In the distinguished presence of Shripad Y. Naik, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Tourism, and other top Ministry officials today in New Delhi, the guidelines were officially introduced by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and AYUSH.

According to the “Working with Nature” philosophy, Harit Sagar Guidelines – 2023 anticipate ecosystem dynamics in port development, operation, and maintenance while minimising influence on biotic components of the harbour environment. It places a focus on the use of clean and environmentally friendly energy in port operations and the development of port capabilities for the storage, processing, and bunkering of greener fuels such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, green methanol, and green ethanol.

“The launch of the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines is a significant step towards achieving our sustainability goals. These guidelines have been formulated with the aim of promoting environmentally friendly practices across all our Ports,” said Shripad Naik, MoS, MoPSW during the event.

What are Harit Sagar Guidelines 2023?

About:–

Harit Sagar is a Sanskrit term that means “green ocean”. It reflects the vision of making India’s ports more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
They also cover aspects of the National Green Hydrogen Mission pertaining to ports, development of green hydrogen facility, LNG bunkering, and Offshore Wind Energy among others.
These guidelines also provide the provision for adopting the global Green Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard.

Significance:–

They are aligned with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the national policies and initiatives such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change, and the Swachh Bharat Mission.
They are expected to enhance India’s image and reputation as a responsible maritime nation that cares for its environment and its people.

Benefits:–

Enhancing the competitiveness and attractiveness of ports by improving their efficiency, reliability, safety, and quality of service.
Reducing the operational costs and increasing the revenue generation potential of ports by optimizing the use of resources and minimizing waste.
Improving the environmental compliance.
Mitigating the environmental impacts and risks of port activities by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, noise pollution, water pollution, and marine litter.