The Government of India has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the landscape of inland water transport and river cruise tourism through the HaritNauka Guidelines. Launched on January 8, 2024, by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), these guidelines aim for a complete transition to green vessels by 2047, marking a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly water transport.
The HaritNauka Guidelines envision a future where all inland water vessels operate on green energy, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. The key objectives include:
Developing Green and Safe Vessels: The guidelines focus on the development and operationalization of new-age vessels with standardized designs and infrastructure that prioritize safety and environmental sustainability.
Creating an Enabling Ecosystem: By fostering an ecosystem conducive to the operation of green vessels, the guidelines aim to promote a seamless transition to green energy across all inland water transport.
Promoting Green Inland Waterway Transport: Encouraging the use of green vessels for passenger transport, the guidelines seek to enhance the safety, convenience, and environmental friendliness of inland waterway-based travel.
Building Indigenous Capacity: In line with the Make in India policy, the guidelines emphasize developing domestic capabilities in shipbuilding, thereby boosting the local economy and reducing dependency on imports.
Financial Assistance for Green Development: The government aims to provide financial support to facilitate the development of green vessels and the related ecosystem, ensuring that the transition to green energy is economically viable.
The River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047 complements the HaritNauka Guidelines by focusing on four critical pillars:
Infrastructure Development: Investing in modern infrastructure to support river cruise tourism, including the construction of eco-friendly ports and docking facilities.
Integration with Other Transport Modes: Ensuring seamless connectivity between river cruises and other modes of transport to enhance accessibility and convenience for tourists.
Improving Accessibility: Making river cruise tourism more accessible to a broader audience by developing inclusive policies and infrastructure.
Comprehensive Policy Framework: Establishing a robust policy framework to govern and promote sustainable river cruise tourism in India.
In addition to the HaritNauka Guidelines, the MoPSW launched the HaritSagar Green Port Guidelines in May 2023. These guidelines provide a comprehensive action plan for major ports to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve significant carbon emission reductions through focused green interventions. The guidelines cover all components of the port ecosystem, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability.
The HaritNauka Guidelines outline a detailed course of action for both the Central and State Governments to achieve 100% green vessels in all Indian water bodies by 2047. This ambitious target aligns with India's broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.
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