Lok Sabha passes Marine Aids to Navigation Bill, 2021

Lok Sabha has passed the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill, 2021, to replace an old lighthouses law. The Bill seeks to provide a framework for the development, maintenance and management of aids to navigation in the country. It aims at repealing the Lighthouse Act, 1927, and provides for empowering the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships with additional power and functions. As per the Bill, the centre will also provide training and certification in navigation.

 

The Bill also helps in development of its historical, educational and cultural value of lighthouses, and ensures compliance the country’s obligations under the



maritime treaties and International Instruments. Speaking in reply to the discussion, Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mansukh Mandaviya said, the centre will help all the boats in getting Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled navigation systems.

 

He said, across the country 50 locations are identified to build jetties in the first phase. The minister said, the centre is also planning several industrial and agricultural clusters around the ports to encourage economic activity. The Government has identified 71 lighthouses across the country, with a scope for tourism development, he added.