Chennai: Union shipping ministÂer G.K. Vasan said all 12 major ports in the country would keep their doÂors open for school children one day a week frÂom April.
“In order to sensitise school children about port activities and also create awareness about imÂports and exports, thÂey will be given a guided tour inside the port. But it will be done only after proper planning with adequate safety measures,” he told reporters here on Tuesday.
The shipping minister said the school authorities should touch base with port chairman and plan the trip accordingly.
“As a pilot project, we have started allowing scÂhool children inside Mumbai port,” he adÂded. Vasan further suggested that a separÂaÂte lift be provided for peÂÂople to get down the liÂgÂhthouse in Chennai, as the number of visitors increases in the evening leading to delay in closing the facility.
On the new land policy that is expected to bring more investments into ports, the shipping minÂisÂÂter said the policy would also bring transpÂarency in port operations.
“I am happy that the new policy was appÂroved by the Cabinet duÂring my tenure as shipping minister. This policy will increase the work load of port officiÂals, as more projects will come into port premises,” said Vasan.
The shipping minister also spoke about the necÂessity of successful taÂlÂks between India and Sri Lanka on the fisÂhÂeÂrmÂen issue and reiterated the need for unity among all political parties with regard to the welfare of the fishermen community.
“We only wish and pray that all fishermen are released and boats are returned. The CeÂnÂtre is doing a great job and we hope things will improve after the talks,” he added.
