The Ministry's white paper titled, "Transforming India’s Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation and Sustainable Growth," aims to unlock India's marine resource potential by strategically leveraging sustained investment in blue infrastructure, research and ocean innovation. It emphasizes fostering public-private partnerships and targeted financial mechanisms. The paper outlines a roadmap to 2035, prioritizing feasible projects and building investor confidence to establish the blue economy as a vital engine for national development.

 

The white paper confirms collaborative efforts across various ocean-related sectors involving 25 central ministries/departments, coastal states, and union territories.

 

The white paper identifies specific models demonstrating economic growth and environmental sustainability:

 

• Community-led seaweed cultivation in Odisha: This initiative addresses the socio-economic vulnerability of fishing communities due to dwindling fish stocks by offering seaweed cultivation as a low-investment, high-impact alternative livelihood. It provides supplementary income for over 10,000 coastal households and is estimated to absorb dissolved carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change mitigation and improving water quality.

 

• Kochi's smart port transformation: Integrating digital twin technology, this has led to improved operational efficiency, reduced vessel waiting times, and better resource utilization, enhancing sustainability through precise environmental monitoring.

 

• Alang, Gujarat's shipbreaking transformation: Adhering to Hong Kong International Convention standards, Alang now maximizes resource recovery, with steel and non-ferrous metals channeled back into the economy, and hazardous waste managed through dedicated facilities and bioremediation, minimizing environmental impact.

 

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands' sustainable tourism: Initiatives like eco-friendly infrastructure and community-led eco-tours have generated significant revenue and jobs, while bans on single-use plastics and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have preserved coral reefs and cut tourist-zone waste.

 

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

*****

NKR/PSM/AV

(Release ID: 2150833)