The central government has announced plans to bolster security across ports in the country. This is primarily due to the enhanced focus on sea-based, port-led economic or development initiatives. It is imperative to safeguard seaports that play the most important role in the supply chain as well as in the development of the country. The move is being taken in view of the “drastic change” in the security environment in the country, said the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways (MoPSW).
“The ministry of ports, shipping and waterways envisages the creation of a Bureau of Port Security to bolster security across all port facilities in the country, which shall function under the control of the designated authority as per the relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act.” The designated authority will “set security levels and provide information to port facilities within India and to every ship prior to entering and exiting an Indian port or “while in a port” within the country.
