Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has approved a research proposal on Valorisation of Dredged Sediments. The project, sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 46,47,380/-, will be implemented over a duration of three years by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), officials said here on Saturday.
The primary objective of this research is to create value from dredged sediments by converting them into aggregates suitable for various construction fields. This innovative approach aims to transform dredged sediment, typically seen as waste, into a valuable resource, thus contributing to sustainable development and environmental conservation, they said.
The proposal was thoroughly deliberated in the 45th Research Committee Meeting chaired by the Additional Secretary (Ports, Shipping & Waterways). After detailed discussions, the Research Committee, recognising the study’s potential benefits, recommended the proposal for further consideration. Following this recommendation, the proposal has been officially approved.
This research initiative signifies an important advancement in sustainable maritime practices. Through the conversion of dredged sediments into useful construction aggregates, it efficiently addresses environmental concerns and resource utilisation. MoPSW is dedicated to fostering research and innovation within the maritime sector.
By supporting cutting-edge projects and collaborating with leading academic institutions like IIT Bombay and IIT Madras, the Ministry aims to develop sustainable and efficient solutions for port operations and environmental conservation.MoPSW, will convene the State Maritime and Waterways Transport Committees (SMWTC) meeting on July 16 via video conferencing, chaired by TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW.The committee aims to ensure comprehensive development of maritime and waterways transport across India, expanding its reach to include the remaining states.
The meeting will focus on the preparation of state-specific Maritime and Waterways Transport Master Plans, formulation of Maritime Sector Policies, Green Initiatives, Waterways Development, Cruise Tourism, Urban Water Transportation, and the Development of Lighthouses.
Recognising the need for a unified approach to manage and integrate the waterways transportation sector, the Ministry has established SMWTCs to coordinate various initiatives and schemes within each state.These committees will be pivotal in consolidating efforts and providing focused leadership in the maritime and waterways sector.
Each SMWTC will be headed by the Chief Secretary or Additional Chief Secretary and include representatives from major ports, maritime boards, state PWD, Inland Waterways, Department of Tourism, Department of Fisheries, Railways, NHAI, Customs, etc.