IIT-Madras To Help Odisha Prepare Maritime Perspective Plan, MoU Inked

Bhubaneswar: The Mohan Majhi government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the IIT Madras for preparing Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP).

The MoU was signed between the directorate of ports & inland water transport of the Odisha government and the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways, and Coasts (NTCPWC), IIT Madras, in the presence of the Principal Secretary of Commerce and Transport Department, Usha Padhee on Tuesday.

According to official sources, it would include key strengths and challenges in the maritime development of the Odisha coast while studying the maritime ecosystem involving ports, hinterland potential, cargo evacuation, port connectivity, environmental enhancement and development of the coastal communities.
Dean of NTCPWC, IIT Madras,Kantharaj Murali, presented a PowerPoint outlining the proposed OMPP sections to the attendees. A feedback form was then distributed to all invited members to submit their feedback, suggestions, and insights for further consideration and incorporation into the plan.

The meeting also decided to gather feedback and suggestions from stakeholders, including representatives from relevant government departments, transport and logistics, maritime experts, port operators, and the boat owners’ associations, to gain a deeper understanding of grassroots-level concerns, issues, and requirements, the sources added.