Question : AMENDMENT IN MAJOR PORT TRUST ACT

(a) whether the Government have set up a Committee under the Chairmanship of S.Venkiteswaran to make amendment in the Major Port Trust Act (MPTA) 1963;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the time by which the said Committee is likely to submit its report to the Government;

(d) whether major ports do not have the requisite infrastructure for salvage operation currently;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI DILIPKUMAR MANSUKHLAL GANDHI)

(a) : No, Sir.

(b)&(c) : Do not arise.

(d) : The infrastructure available for salvage operation at Major Ports is for handling the grounding of smaller vessels, etc. with their own craft, cranes.

(e)&(f): The salvage operations are undertaken at Major Ports in accordance with the provisions of Indian Ports Act 1908. In this regard, a Committee has prepared the guidelines for wreck removal and the Government is in the process of finalizing the same for uniform adoption by Major Ports.