Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
5. If we make our major ports cargo-specific, develop infrastructure on a par with global standards, and connect them with the hinterlands as well as international sea routes, they will automatically become transhipment hubs. Discuss the role that the Sagarmala initiative can play in this regard. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Over the past 70 years, India has lost its global eminence in shipping due to poor legislation and politics. This article analyses the reasons therefore and suggests how Sargarmala can revitalize the shipping sector in India.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the reasons poor performance of shipping sector and ports in India and issues that plague them and to write about the scope of Sagarmala in rectifying the above.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by briefly starting the objectives of Sagarmala initiative.
Body:
In the first part, write about the various issues that affect India’s shipping and port sectors – visionless administration, only helps foreign shipping liners, lack of balance between infrastructure onshore and at sea, not optimization of our carrying capacity and lack of regional cargo-specific ports etc.
Next, write about the potential of Sagarmala initiative and other efforts that are needed along with it. Change in the mindset of the authorities and the maritime business community, ‘Make in India’, ship-owning by Indians and consolidating the strength of the coastal youth.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
