Port Blair Declared as Major Port

Under the Indian Ports Act, 1908, the Government has declared the Port Blair Port with its territorial jurisdiction over all ports of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, - as a major port w.e.f. 1 June, 2010. All major provisions of the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 has become applicable to the major port of Port Blair from 1 June, 2010. With this the Port Blair Port becomes the 13th major port of the country. The other major ports are Kolkata (including Dock Complex at Haldia), Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Tuticorin, Cochin, New Mangalore, Mormugao, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mumbai, Kandla and Ennore.

The Port Blair Port will have territorial jurisdiction over East Island Port, Diglipur Port (Port Cornwalis), Mayabunder Port, Elphinston Harbour Rangat Port, Havelock Port, Neil Island Port, Port Blair Port, (Jolly Buoys) Macpherson Strait Port, Cinque & South Cinque Islands Port, Dugong Creek Port, Hut Bay Port, Mus Car Nicobar (West) Port, Malaca Car Nicobar (East) Port, Tillanchang Port, Tillachang (Castile Bay) Port, Chowra Port, Teressa Port, Nancowry Harbour Port, Katchal (East Bay) Port, Pillomillow Port, Kondul Port, Campbell Bay Port and South Bay Port.

A Committee headed by the Joint Secretary (Ports), Ministry of Shipping and Chairman, Tuticorin Port Trust and four others as members, have been constituted to identify the requirement of staff for Port Blair Port Trust and transfer of entire establishment of Port Management Board to the Trust in consultation with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works to the trust. The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration will, in addition to his own duties and responsibilities, hold additional charge as Chairman, Port Blair Port Trust till the regular incumbent takes charge or until further orders. The Chief Port Administrator, Port Management Board, A&N Administration will in addition to his own duties and responsibilities, hold additional charge as Secretary, Port Blair Trust till the regular incumbent is appointed.

It has also been decided to bifurcate Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works into Andaman Harbour works and Lakshadweep Harbour Works. The Andaman Harbour Works stands merged with Port Blair Port Trust and the Lakshadweep Harbour Works will now function under the direct control of the Ministry of Shipping, headed by the Deputy Chief Engineer and with the status of Subordinate office to the Ministry.

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MC/MK
(Release ID :62358)