New Delhi: The Minister of State for Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh on Wednesday informed the parliament the government has prepared a draft policy framework on India’s Blue Economy. The draft Blue Economy policy framework envisages the optimal utilization of all sectors of the maritime domain, (living, non-living resources, tourism, ocean energy, etc.) for sustainable development of coastal areas.

The policy document contains key recommendations on National Accounting Framework for Blue Economy and Ocean Governance, Coastal Marine Spatial Planning and Tourism Priority, Marine Fisheries, Aquaculture and Fish Processing, Manufacturing, Emerging Industries, Trade, Technology, Services and Skill Development, Logistics, Infrastructure and Shipping, Coastal and Deep-Sea Mining and Offshore Energy and Security, Strategic Dimensions and International Engagement.

The proposed National Blue Economy Advisory Council (BEAC) will have the Secretaries of relevant Ministries and Departments as members. It would also include Chief Secretaries or Principal Secretaries of Coastal States and representatives from industry.

Earlier, the government put out a document for comments and feedback from general public and all relevant stakeholders. The Ministry received valuable suggestions from ministries, departments, parliament members, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), industry representatives and general public which it considered and framed the policy document accordingly.

The Minister further added that there is no activity with the theme ‘Swachh Prithvi, Swachh Sagar’, however, an activity with the theme ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ is being implemented. This is a 75 days long coastal clean-up campaign for cleaning of at least 75 beaches along the coastal districts which started on July 5, 2022 and will culminate on September 17, 2022 the ‘International Coastal Clean Up Day’. The activity is being organised by MoES jointly with Indian Coast Guard, MoEF&CC, MoYAS, NDMA, Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi and Government Departments, volunteer organizations, public and students.

The initiatives would include support for awareness campaigns, competitions and workshops/seminars on the issues through Earth Day, Ocean Day etc in schools, colleges and Universities.