[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The new Inland Vessels Bill, 2017 proposes the enrolment of non-mechanically propelled vessels by Local Self Administration and administering, enforcement and implementing its provisions in Part XIV by local self-governance. Prescribing basic minimum standards for construction and safety of non-mechanically propelled vessels are also envisaged in the proposed Bill. This information was given by the Minister of State for Shipping, Mr Pon. Radhakrishnan, in the Lok Sabha last week.
The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), being implemented with technical and financial assistance of the World Bank, envisages preparation of Disaster Management Plan (DMP) and Emergency Management Plan (EMP) to take care of activities like navigation, terminal and jetty operation, oil spill, disaster contingency, etc. after the commissioning of the project and while operating cargo and passenger vessels on National Waterway-1 (NW-1).
The mechanically propelled inland vessels are governed by the Inland Vessels Act, 1917 (1 of 1917) and rules framed by state governments. The registration of inland mechanically propelled vessels by the state government is also mandatory, the Minister said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
