The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways have envisioned the establishment and deployment of world-class floating structures all along the coastline. Authorities have also compiled the guidelines for technical specifications of floating structures, including jetties for the same. The draft guidelines have been up for public comments and here is all that you need to know about them:
Floating jetties: faster, cheaper, better
The Ministry has opted for the solution of floating structures given their inherent advantages and attractive outlook. These floating jetties have the superior-flexible advantage over the fixed concrete structures, recognised as a cost-effective, much cheaper alternative than the usual concrete ones. The instalment time of the entire set-up has been estimated over a period of 6-8 months, unlike the conventional structures which will take about 24 months to be built.
Earlier also, the Ministry had stationed passenger floating jetties in Goa, as one of its chief pilot projects by following international guiding principles. Besides this, water-aerodromes on the Sabarmati River and at Sardar Sarovar Dam (for the seaplane services)were also set-up by the Ministry in recent past, which are yielding the best possible results.
Aiming at the overall upgradation and upliftment of the coastal community, the Ministry has undertaken 80 similar projects along the coastline, which are all in their planning stage.
International standards for coastline development
The Ministry is actively working to establish a benchmark and be at par with the international standards of technical specifications. IIT-Chennai has been entrusted with the responsibility of chalking out the specs of sustainable floating structures like floating jetties, water-aerodromes, floating marinas, fish landing facilities etc. This is being monitored to establish and uphold stringent standards which remain frozen after due deliberations with various stakeholders.
This development programme will elevate the tourism identity of Goa, both in India and abroad. The visionary approach, with solid backing from technical teams, will help the coastal state to shine as a global tourist attraction, helping it re-construct its tourist economy while upholding the principles of sustainability.
