Delhi, 27 July: Parliament on Tuesday passed
a bill that will replace an over nine-decade-old law governing lighthouses and
provide a fresh framework to establish and manage vessel traffic services.
Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill, 2021, which
also changes the use of the term marine aids to navigation, amid continuing
protests by the opposition members over the Pegasus snooping allegations and
other issues. It has already been passed by Lok Sabha on March 22, 2021, in the
last session.
The Bill will provide for the development,
maintenance and management of aids to navigation in India; for training and
certification of the operator of aids to navigation, development of its
historical, educational and cultural value. The Bill will also ensure
compliance with the obligation under the maritime treaties and international
instruments to which India is a party.
While replying to the debate, Union Minister
of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said: "This Bill will
provide a legal framework for the sector to meet the latest technologies and
meet the requirements of best global practices for safe and secure navigation
and protection of the marine environment." This Bill will repeal the 90
years old pre-independence Act by replacing it.
“It will provide holistic progress and
development in the field of marine navigation. This will also help the
fisherman and coastal and international trade, lighthouse tourism in and
around,” he said.
It will also encourage safe aligning with the
latest forecast technology and pollution-free navigation in Indian waters,
Sonowal said while finishing his short reply amid the opposition uproar. During
the debate, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh requested the opposition
members, protesting in the Well, to return to their seats. "Please go back
to your seats," he said, adding " I want to allow division (on the
bill) but for that you please go back to your seats. You know the rules and
until you get back to your seats, the division is not possible." As
members did not return to their seats, the Deputy Chairman went ahead with the
process and the Bill was passed. Immediately after the Bill was passed, Rajya
Sabha was adjourned till 4 pm and later for the rest of the day as opposition
parties disrupted proceedings. Through the Bill, the government plans to turn
old lighthouses into tourist destinations to showcase the country's rich
history in navigation.
The Bill also seeks to rename the existing
post of Director General of Lighthouse and Lightships to Director-General to
provide a framework for the establishment, operation and management of vessel
traffic services. It aims at repealing the colonial Lighthouse Act, 1927, and
provides for empowering the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships
(DGLL) with additional power and functions. The bill provides for empowering
the DGLL with additional power and functions such as vessel traffic service,
wreck flagging, training and certification, implementation of other obligations
under international conventions where India is a signatory. It comprises a new
schedule of offences, along with commensurate penalties for obstructing and
damaging the aids to navigation, and non-compliance with directives issued by
the central government and other bodies.
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