India has embarked on a major push to modernise its coastal infrastructure, with the launch of a new initiative on sustainable Blue Ports in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The framework, anchored by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is designed to combine technology with environmental stewardship, while also strengthening the resilience of coastal economies.
The first phase of the programme will focus on three harbours — Vanakbara in Diu, Karaikal in Puducherry, and Jakhau in Gujarat — with a combined investment of ₹369.8 crore. These projects will pilot modern design and management systems that integrate digital and satellite technologies with eco-friendly infrastructure. The objective, according to officials, is to transform fishing ports into models of sustainability, where economic activity can thrive without compromising ecological balance. Planned facilities include rainwater harvesting systems, energy-efficient lighting, electric-powered equipment, robust waste management solutions, and dedicated mechanisms for marine debris clean-up. Experts say that such investments are essential in a sector that sustains millions of livelihoods and contributes significantly to India’s food and nutritional security.
Officials highlighted that the Blue Ports initiative will leverage technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and automation to enhance operational efficiency at fishing ports. These tools are expected to improve logistics, traceability, and market access for fishing communities while also strengthening environmental monitoring. The government’s flagship schemes — including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund — are already being channelled into supporting these upgrades. FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme will provide technical guidance to the pilot projects at Vanakbara and Jakhau, with a focus on investment planning, operational models, and capacity building. This partnership aims to ensure that the infrastructure created is not only modern but also aligned with global sustainability benchmarks.
Officials emphasised that fishing ports are not merely landing points for catch, but gateways to economic inclusion, ecological resilience, and coastal innovation. By investing in environmentally responsible infrastructure, India hopes to build a fisheries system that is future-ready and capable of adapting to the challenges posed by climate change and global demand fluctuations. Industry experts believe that the success of the Blue Ports model could set new standards for maritime infrastructure in India. If the pilot projects deliver as intended, the framework could be scaled up across other states, embedding sustainability at the heart of one of the country’s most vital coastal industries.
Also Read : India Partners FAO To Launch Sustainable Blue Port Infrastructure Modernisation Initiative
