Lok Sabha Question No. 3242 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: "Harit Sagar" Green Port Guidelines
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3242

ANSWERED ON 08.08.2025

## 'HARIT SAGAR' GREEN PORT GUIDELINES

## 3242.  SHRI MUKESHKUMAR CHANDRAKAANT DALAL:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) the specific measures that are included in the 'HaritSagar' Green Port Guidelines;
- (b) the manner in which the implementation of these guidelines is expected to impact environmental sustainability and pollution control in port operations;
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure compliance with the 'HaritSagar' guidelines among various ports across the country;
- (d) the  manner  in  which  the  Government  plans  to  monitor  and  evaluate  the effectiveness of these guidelines in achieving their pollution reduction goals; and
- (e) the collaborative efforts being made with stakeholders in the shipping and maritime industry to promote green practices at ports?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

- (a) The 'HaritSagar' Green Port Guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterwaysoutline specific measures to promote environmental sustainability across Major Ports. These include increasing green cover, electrification of port equipment and vehicles,  adoption  of  renewable  energy,  provision  of  shore-to-ship  power  supply, promotion  of  coastal  shipping,  improved  waste  and  effluent  management,  marine ecosystem protection, and use of energy-efficient infrastructure. The guidelines also call for green hydrogen infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, and incentives for green shipping practices.

(b)  Implementation  of  these  guidelines  is  expected  to  significantly  reduce  carbon emissions, enhance energy and water efficiency, and improve air and water quality at ports. Shore-to-ship power and green refueling infrastructure will minimize air and water pollution from vessels at berth, while green belts and energy-efficient technologies will contribute to ecosystem vitality and pollution control.

(c) & (d)  To ensure compliance, all Major Ports are mandated to prepare action plans with timelines for implementation of Environmental Performance Indicators (EPIs). These plans  include  installation  of  real-time  monitoring  systems  for  air,  water,  noise,  and effluents, as well as independent annual environmental audits. (e) The guidelines emphasize active collaboration with stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping lines, logistics providers, government agencies, and private entities. Incentives  such  as  priority  berthing  and  fee  rebates  are  encouraged  for  vessels  and operators using cleaner fuels or electric equipment. The Ministry also provides financial incentives in the form of VRC rebates for promoting Coastal Shipping, VRC rebates for vessels  using  cleaner  fuels,  shipbuilding  financial  assistance  for  the  shipyards  for construction of hybrid and Green vessels etc., in order to ensure seamless transition from

the conventional to green and sustainable mode of operations.

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