Maharashtra minister bats for recycling of unused boats, ships for environment, revenue generation

The Maharashtra government aims to create an effective policy framework for recycling unused boats and ships to promote sustainability and generate revenue through the scrap process.

The Maharashtra government aims to formulate an effective policy framework for recycling of unused boats and ships with the aim of promoting environmentally sustainable management and generating additional revenue through the scrap process, state minister Nitesh Rane said on Monday.

The state Fisheries and Ports minister was speaking at a meeting on ship recycling held at Mantralaya here, which was attended by Maharashtra Maritime Board officials and representatives of Shree Ram Green Ship Recycling Industries (Unit-II) LLP.

Establishing a robust mechanism for recycling decommissioned vessels has become the need of the hour and his department is making efforts to accelerate the recycling process for unused boats and ships across the state, Rane said.

He directed Shree Ram Green Ship Recycling Industries (Unit-II) LLP to submit a detailed proposal regarding recycling of unused boats and ships in Maharashtra.

''The government will positively consider developing a one-window system for inland vessels as well as large ships to ensure ease, transparency and faster processing in recycling activities. The department will conduct an in-depth study on the issue and place the matter before the upcoming board meeting,'' Rane said.

''The process of preparing a shortlist of boats to be scrapped would also be initiated. The initiative would provide a new direction to the ship recycling industry while promoting sustainable development in Maharashtra's maritime sector,'' he added.