Union Minister launches ‘Harit Sagar’ the Green Port Guidelines 2023

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister launches ‘Harit Sagar’ the Green Port Guidelines 2023” published in PIB on 11th May 2023

What is the News?

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has launched ‘Harit Sagar’ the Green Port Guidelines.

What is Harit Sagar?

Harit Sagar are guidelines released with the aim to achieve Green Ports.

Objective: The guidelines envisage ecosystem dynamics in port development, operation and maintenance while aligning with the ’Working with Nature’ concept and minimizing the impact on biotic components of the harbour ecosystem. 

Features of the guidelines: The guidelines lays emphasis on use of Clean / Green energy in Port operation, developing Port capabilities for storage, handling and bunkering of Greener Fuels viz. Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, Green Methanol / Ethanol etc.

– It also provides a framework for the Major Ports for drawing out a comprehensive action plan for achieving targeted outcomes in terms of quantified reduction in carbon emission over defined timelines, through focused implementation and close monitoring of Green Initiatives and to achieve Sustainable Development Goals(SDG).

Main Goals: The guidelines’ main goals are to reduce trash through the four R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle in order to achieve zero waste discharge from port operations.

– Additionally, it includes provisions for adopting the international Green Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard and covers parts of the National Green Hydrogen Mission related to ports, the creation of green hydrogen facilities, LNG bunkering, offshore wind energy, etc.