Guidelines for shipping and harbour projects

The basic objective of the guidelines is to assist in planning, designing and execution of shipping and harbour projects on sound environmental principles. The following are the specific conditions laid in the guidelines to ensure environmental safeguards:

• Releases of oils, chemicals and other materials should be controlled so that it does not disturb the marine flora and fauna outside the controlled harbour area.

• Productivity of the marine environment adjoining the harbour and resources of the coastal waters shall remain unaffected by shipping and harbour activities.

• Adjoining coast and coastal marine area shall not be subjected to unintended or unplanned changes in siltation, erosion, flow pattern and coastal contours due to shipping and harbour activities.

• Aesthetic, cultural and social patterns and historical characteristics should not be unduly disturbed due to shipping and harbour activities.

• Electromagnetic pollution and noise pollution in the controlled area should always be maintained well within the limits acceptable in the public domain.

• For planned development and monitoring of the environmental consequences of shipping and harbour activities, baseline information on physical, chemical, biological, cultural, social and aesthetic parameters is necessary.

• It is also essential to prepare emergency plans and provide for equipment and organisations to deal with emergency situations arising from accidents and also to undertake post accident rehabilitation measures.

• While formulating the requirements for limiting the environmental impact from shipping and harbour activities, the organisations concerned should take into account the national legislation, rules and regulations and stipulations of various international conventions held from time to time to ensure cleaner environment and ensure prompt implementation of environmental regulations.