Upgrade port facilities to increase trade, tourism: members

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) Taking the Government to task for the delay in clearing the Merchant Shipping (Amendment), Bill, 2004, the Opposition in the Lok Sabha today demanded that port facilities across the country be spruced up to match international standards in order to increase trade and tourism through the searoute.

Speaking on the Bill, Shipping and Transport Minister T R Baalu said it was necessary to amend the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 to implement the provisions of the International Code for the Security of Ships and Port Facility (ISPS Code).

Mr Rasa Singh Rawat (BJP) said the Bill should take into account the terrorist activities to enable secure searoutes.

Mr K S Rao (Cong) demanded better port facilites across the country.

Mr Ratilal Varma (BJP) asked for expediting the work on Dhaulera Port in Gujarat, and increase in security in all the major ports.

Mr Adir Chowdhury (Cong) wanted to know how many ports were covered under the ISPS Code and who would bear the expenses.

Mr Samik Lahiri (CPI-M) said the Government should clarify the hostile act as incorporated in the Bill.

Mr Braja Kishore Tripathy (BJD) said the rights of workers and seamen should be protected, and infrastructure upgraded to increase port-based tourism.

Mr Vijendra Pal Singh (BJP) also demanded that port facilities be spruced up to increase international trade. He said the Bill should also address the problem of human cargo.

UNI