Maritime News India : Odisha, 20 October 2024 – Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated several significant maritime projects at the 2nd Indian Lighthouse Festival. The event, held in Odisha, showcased India’s commitment to preserving and promoting its maritime heritage while boosting coastal tourism. Key highlights included the announcement of new lighthouses on Odisha’s coastline, the inauguration of the Kalwan Reef Lighthouse in Gujarat, and the launch of infrastructure projects at Paradip Port, Odisha.
The valedictory session of the festival was graced by the presence of Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State, MoPSW; Pravati Parida, the Deputy Chief Minister, Odisha; Suresh Gopi, the Union Minister of State of Tourism & Petroleum and Natural Gas; Sambit Patra, MP as well as TK Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, MoPSW among others.
Empowering Coastal Communities for Preservation & Tourism
During the festival, Sonowal emphasized the importance of coastal communities in preserving India’s rich maritime legacy. The Union Minister announced the creation of a national framework aimed at empowering these communities to protect, preserve, and promote lighthouses as key cultural and historical symbols.
Additionally, two new lighthouses were announced for Odisha’s coastline—one at Chaumuck (Balasore district) and another at Dhamra (Bhadrak district). These lighthouses will not only enhance maritime safety but also serve as major tourist attractions, offering a new dimension to India’s growing lighthouse tourism.
Inauguration of Key Maritime Projects
Sonowal dedicated several crucial projects to the nation:
- New Kalwan Reef Lighthouse: Located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, this new lighthouse aims to enhance navigation safety for vessels off the western coast of India.
- Paradip Port Projects: The Union Minister inaugurated a Stacker-cum-Reclaimant and a Flyover Bridge at Paradip Port, which are set to enhance port efficiency and operational capacity.
The announcement is part of a broader government effort under the Sagarmala Programme to develop maritime infrastructure, boost port operations, and drive economic growth through enhanced coastal tourism.
Celebrating Maritime Heritage with Cultural & Beach Activities
The second edition of the Indian Lighthouse Festival also included a variety of cultural and recreational activities. Sonowal inaugurated events such as:
- Sand Art & Boat Art Competitions
- Beach Yoga & Beach Run
- Cultural Performances by renowned artists like Papon and Sona Mohapatra
In a show of commitment to cleanliness, the Union Minister led the Swachhata Abhiyan at Niladri Beach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pristine beaches for tourism and ecological balance.
Promoting Lighthouse Tourism: A 400% Growth Since 2014
Highlighting the impact of Lighthouse Tourism, Sonowal informed the attendees that tourist footfall at lighthouses has increased by more than 400% since 2014. The number of visitors grew from 4 lakh in 2014 to 16 lakh in the 2023-24 fiscal year, with more than 9 lakh tourists already visiting in the first half of 2024-25.
The growth is a result of government initiatives to develop 75 iconic lighthouses across nine coastal states and one Union Territory into tourist destinations, complete with modern amenities like museums, parks, and amphitheaters.
Fostering Strong Ties Between Assam & Odisha
During the festival’s valedictory session, Sonowal highlighted the close spiritual, cultural, and historical ties between Assam and Odisha, underscoring the contributions of great figures like Srimanta Sankardeva, Lakshminath Bezbarua, and Bholanath Barooah. This cultural synergy was celebrated through performances showcasing the rich heritage of both states.
The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, joined Shri Sonowal at the event, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation between the two states.
Key Developments under the Sagarmala Programme
Under the Sagarmala Programme, several projects have been undertaken to enhance maritime infrastructure, including:
- Development of Paradip Port: Paradip Port, the only major port in Odisha, is set to expand its cargo handling capacity, aiming for 500 MTPA by 2047.
- Modernization of Fishing Harbours: Projects like the modernization of Paradip Fishing Harbour and the development of a new fishing harbour at Chandipur are aimed at uplifting the coastal community and fostering sustainable practices in the maritime sector.
Odisha’s Growing Role in India’s Maritime Future
Odisha, with its 480 km coastline, plays a pivotal role in India’s maritime strategy. The state’s ports, including Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, are witnessing rapid growth, and the development of non-major ports is further strengthening Odisha’s position as a key player in India’s blue economy.
