(a) whether draft situation in Haldia Port Complex (HPC) has gone down considerably thereby threatening the closure of the port;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Union Government proposes to bear the cent per cent cost of continuous dredging at the channels leading to HPC; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The Haldia Dock Complex (Kolkata Port Trust) faces a unique problem
of siltation as it is located on an alluvial river Hooghly. The navigational channel leading
to Haldia Dock Complex experiences a lot of siltation. The situation has worsened over the years
because of reduction in upland discharge in the River Hooghly leading to sediments not getting
washed away as it happened a few decades ago. The channel now requires continuous dredging
throughout the year.
(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. As per the Cabinet decision taken in 1993-94, Kolkata Port Trust,
which includes Haldia Dock Complex, is to be reimbursed 100% of the cost on items directly
related to river dredging and river maintenance as well as the cost incurred on items directly
related to maintenance dredging of shipping channel leading to Haldia.