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MINUTES OF THE
83RD
MEETING OF THE
CENTRAL ADVISORY
COMMITTEE FOR
LIGHTHOUSES (CACL)
HELD ON 14TH
OCTOBER, 2009
AT TRANSPORT
BHAVAN , NEW
DELHI
Chairman
welcomed all the
participants and
asked DGLL to
start the
proceedings.
Initiating the
discussions,
DGLL informed
that agenda
alongwith
memoranda was
sent to all the
members. He
further informed
that a letter
for leave of
absence was
received from
Shri Amin M.
Sikkawala which
may be
considered by
the Committee.
The Committee
granted leave of
absence to Shri
Sikkawala .
2.
Agenda item
No. 1 :
Confirmation of
the Minutes of
the 82nd
CACL meeting
DGLL informed
that the minutes
of the 82nd
CACL meeting
were circulated
to all the
members and no
comments were
received. He
requested to
confirm the
minutes with the
permission of
the Chair. The
Minutes of the
82nd
meeting were
thereafter
confirmed
unanimously.
3.
Agenda Item
No. 2 : Action
taken Note on
the minutes of
82nd
CACL
3.1.
Establishment
of a
Lighthouse at
Sandheads
The
Committee was
informed that
based on the
decisions in the
last meeting and
the requirement
projected by the
Nautical
Advisor for
establishment of
floating aid
near Sandheads,
the matter was
discussed with
KOPT Authorities
and accordingly
it was decided
to conduct the
survey for
establishment of
a Lighthouse at
Sandheads as
KOPT was
apparently not
interested in
establishment
of floating
aid due to
logistics
difficulties and
the past
experience.
The Chief
Hydrographer
opined that it
would be very
difficult to
construct a
Lighthouse in
30m deep water
which may be a
very costly
proposal. He
proposed that
provision of
some modern
floating aid
needs to be
looked into.
After
deliberations it
was decided that
a Sub-Group
consisting of
representative
of the DGLL, the
NA, the Chief
Hydrogapher to
the Government
of India and
KOPT will
decide on the
type of
technique to be
adopted.
3.2
Taking over
of the Local
Lights
DGLL
briefed the
Committee
about the
progress on the
taking over of
Local Lights.
Appreciating the
concern of DGLL
on local lights
and their
improvements,
Nautical
Advisor stated
that the
decision taken
by the CACL on
taking over of
Local Lights was
in right
direction as
these aids were
not properly
maintained by
the States
resulting in
casualties in
certain cases.
The Committee
noted the
action.
3.3
Shifting
of Krishanpatnam
Lighthouse
DGLL
briefed the
Committee on the
progress that
the Designs have
been completed.
Issue of
environmental
clearance is in
advance stage
and
Krishnapatnam
Port is
executing the
work. Revised
MOU has been
sent to the
Minsitry of Law
for vetting
through the
Ministry. The
Committee noted
the action.
3.
4
Shifting of
Kovilthottam
Lighthouses
DGLL briefed the
Committee
stating that the
site initially
offered by
Indian Rare
Earths Ltd. was
not found
suitable.
Alternate site
offered is being
explored. The
Committee noted
the action.
3.5
Automation of
Cochin, Chennai,
Vishakhapatnam &
Kolkata Distts
DGLL stated that
the SFC proposal
has been
submitted to the
Ministry for
approval. Shri
Vineet Garg,
Director (SCI)
informed that
the proposal has
been appraised
by the
Department of
Expenditure and
Planning
Commission and
process for
obtaining a date
from the
Chairman for
holding meeting
of the SFC is
on. The
Committee noted
the action.
3.6
Harnessing of
Wind Energy
DGLL informed
the committee
about the
discussion held
with M/s. Suzlon
Energy on
harnessing the
wind energy.
Chairman was of
the opinion that
maximum
exploitation of
DGLL resources
for harnessing
of wind energy
should be
made. He further
stated that in
States like
Gujarat the DGLL
should plan use
of wind energy
for lighthouse
operations and
contribute
surplus to the
National grid.
DGLL stated that
the Directorate
will workout a
plan in this
direction
shortly. DGLL
further informed
the Committee
that Directorate
has already
decided for
integrated
energy system
containing of
small wind
turbine and
Solar modules
for Lighthouse
applications.
The first
establishment is
being carried
out at False
Point in Orissa
and will be
replicated
elsewhere on
satisfactory
observation.
The Committee
noted the
action.
3.7
Replacement of
LH Tender Vessl
M.V. Pradeep
DGLL briefed
the members
about the
action on
entering into
a wet lease,
Chairman was
in agreement
with the
DGLL’s action.
Nautical Advisor
raised the issue
of percentage of
utility of the
vessel in a
year so that the
services of the
vessel could be
utilized
elsewhere. It
was informed
that the vessel
caters to the
number of
islands and
remains
occupied
thorough out the
year. The
Committee noted
the action.
3.8
Progress
of Capital Works
DGLL briefed the
members about
the progress of
Capital Works
and their
regular review.
The Committee
noted the
action.
3.9
Financial Review
of the
Directorate
DGLL briefed the
members.
Committee noted
the action.
3.10
Amendment
to Lighthouse
Act
DGLL
briefed the
members on the
progress made.
The Committee
noted the
action.
3.11
Beautification
of Lighthouses
DGLL informed
the Committee
about the action
on the
beautification
of Lighthouses.
He informed that
ILF&S were
approached who
have desired
that at least
action on
beautification
of a group of
lighthouses
should be taken
at a time.
Chairman opined
that DGLL should
take JS (Tourism)’s
opinion which
could be
helpful. in
implementing the
project. The
Committee noted
the action.
4.
Agenda Item No
3 :
Establishment of
Lighthouse at
Markarnam in
Chennai District
DGLL briefed
the Committee
about the
requirement of
Lighthouse and
recommendation
of the
Sub-Committee
for
establishment of
a new Lighthouse
between
Pondicherry and
Mahabalipuram
so that the
dark area in
this region
could be
covered and
seamless visual
coverage from
Pondicherry to
Mahabalipuram
could be
achieved.
Nautical
Advisor opined
that the
location of the
Lighthouse could
be shifted
northwards on
the mouth of the
river so that
clear homing
facility for
the fishermen
could be
provided. DGLL
agreed to
re-visit the
location and
inform the NA
accordingly.
The Committee
agreed to the
proposal for
establishing a
Lighthouse at
Markanam at an
estimated cost
of
Rs.200
Lakh.
5.
Agenda Item No.
4 :
Establishment of
new Lighthouses
in
A&N Islands
DGLL briefed
the requirement
for establishing
lighted
beacons at the
following
locations:-
1.
Koal ta-Palm
2.
Hoiniph
Rock Point
3.
Sobmberreo Point
4.
Murray
Point
He also informed
that the cost
component for
establishment
of these
lighthouses is
small but due
to appreciable
delay in
getting
environmental
clearance the
scheme takes
more than 3-4
years to
complete. Chief
Hydrographer to
the Government
of India
opined that as
the DGPS
services in
this area are
yet to be
restored the
survey ships in
the area are
finding
difficulty to
survey the
area. Therefore
the proposal
could be
approved. He
further stated
that the
Lighthouses and
DGPS services in
the area are
essential for
one and all
and should be
considered as an
operational
necessity.
Nautical
Advisor stated
that the
requirement of
Lighthouses is
an operational
necessity and
safety needs
for islands of
A&N and
Lakshdweep.
Chairman agreed
to the view of
the Chief
Hydrographer and
the Nautical
Advisor and
advised DGLL
that requirement
of lighthouses
as operational
necessity and
safety needs of
mariners should
be placed on
record.
Thereafter the
Committee agreed
to the proposal
for
establishment
of Lighthouses
at an
estimated cost
of Rs.50 Lakh
each.
6.
Agenda Item No.
5 :
Establishment of
Pilot Project
for
Installations of
Class ‘B’
Transponders
on fishing
vessels
DGLL briefed
the Committee
about the
scheme. Shri
Vineet Garg,
Director (SCI)
informed that
the scheme has
already been
approved by
Cabinet
Committee on
Security (CCS)
and the proposal
has been
submitted to the
Planning
Commission.
Director
(Finance)
informed the
Committee that
a letter from
Secy. (Exp)
has been
received where
it has been
instructed that
any scheme
which has not
been included
in the plan will
not be
considered for
approval by the
Planning
Commission.
Chairman ruled
that the scheme
may be
approved by the
CACL as this was
imminent
Security
requirement and
necessary
exemption will
be sought as
the scheme
has already
been cleared by
the CCS. DGLL
informed that
Shri Amin
Sikkawala has
stated that the
Transponders can
be provided at
all the
mechanised
sailing
vessels at the
subsidized
rates. Chairman
ruled that the
scheme was
limited as pilot
project in
Mumbai.
Advancing the
discussion
further Capt.
Mohanty stated
that since the
Transponders are
being provided
on the fishing
vessels chances
of misplacement
are more and
also the
maintenance cost
will be high.
Therefore,
adequate
provisions for
maintenance in
the scheme
should be kept
on this
account.
Accordingly the
Committee
decided that
provision of 10%
as maintenance
and replacement
cost will be
kept in the
scheme. The
Committee
approved the
scheme of
establishment of
Pilot Project
for installation
of class ‘B’
Transponders at
an estimated
cost of Rs.16.5
crore with
additional10%
maintenance and
replacement
cost.
7.
Agenda Item No.
6 :
Establishment of
Navtex Chain
for Navigational
Warning
Initiating
the discussion
on the agenda
the Chief
Hydrographer to
the Govt. of
India informed
that Navtex
Services on
the Indian Coast
Line has become
a matter of
embarrassment on
the
international
platform as
India being
signatory to IMO
Convention
needed to
provide
efficient
Navtex service
with complete
coverage.
However, it was
not happening.
Nautical Advisor
while agreeing
to the opinion
of the Chief
Hydrographer
further stated
that as a
signatory of IMO
it becomes the
responsibility
of the Indian
Government to
provide for such
services for
safety of
vessels along
our Coast line
and therefore
the scheme
needed to be
approved and
wavier from
Secretary
(Expenditure)
could be
obtained. Shri
Vineet Garg,
Director (SCI)
stated that the
proposal does
not indicate
recurring
expenditure.
DGLL informed
that a detailed
proposal has
been submitted
to the Ministry
and recurring
expenditure of
Rs. 2.00 crore
has been
envisaged which
includes the
cost of manpower
and
maintenance.
The Committee
approved the
scheme for
establishment of
Navtex with
seven
transmitting
stations at an
estimated cost
of Rs. 20.25
crore. The
Committee
further agreed
to the request
to constitute
a Sub-group
consisting of
representatives
of the Chief
Hydrographer,
the Nautical
Advisor, DGLL
and Indian
Meteorological
Department for
looking into
the various
issues in
implementing
the project.
8.
Agenda Item No.
7 : Levy of
Lighthdues on
container cargo
carried on
deck:-
While
briefing the
Committee on the
issue of levy
of Lightdues
on Container
Cargo, DGLL
informed that
Shri Ashwani
Kumar,
Superintendent
of Customs,
Mumbai was
invited for
presenting the
case to the
committee for
arriving at a
considered
decision. Shri
Ashwani Kumar
apprised the
Committee on
the genesis
and stated
that in view of
the
implementation
of the Public
Notice revenue
at JNPT has
risen from Rs.18
Crore to Rs. 35
Crore. While
appreciating the
action of the
Customs,
Chairman opined
that the Customs
have properly
interpreted the
act but the
issue needs to
be examined in
detail.
Chairman further
ruled that this
issue could be
discussed and
appropriate
decision taken
by the Ministry.
9.
Agenda item No.
8:
Construction of
Office building
and staff
quarters at
Vishakhapatnam
DGLL apprised
the Committee of
the proposal of
construction of
office building
and staff
quarters at
Vishakhapatnam
at an estimated
cost of Rs.4.40
crore. While
agreeing to the
proposal,
Chairman
enquired whether
detailed
estimate of the
scheme has been
looked into.
Chief
Hydrographer
stated this was
only for
in-principal
approval. DGLL
stated that
detailed
estimate will be
finalized before
obtaining
approval of the
Govt. After
discussion, the
Committee
approved the
proposal for
establishing
Office building
and staff
quarters at
Vishakhapatnam
at an estimated
cost of Rs.4.40
crore.
10.
Agenda Item No.
9:
Presentation on
concept of
e-Loran (Long
Range
Navigation:-
A
brief
presentation on
e-Loran was
made to the
Committee by
Shri P.P. Sinha,
Director
(Electronics)
emphasizing
that the
requirement of
establishment of
an independent
sovereign
terrestrial
navigational
system was need
of the hour
and a study on
such requirement
could be
undertaken by an
Inter
Ministerial
Group. Chief
Hydrogrpaher to
the Government
of India and
Nautical Advisor
strongly
supported the
need of e-Loran
as an
independenent
sovereign
navigation
system. The
Committee agreed
to the view of
carrying out a
study by an
Inter
Ministerial
Group for
establishing the
requirement of
e-LORAN.
11.
Agenda Item
No.10 :Progress
of Capital
Works:-
DGLL apprised
the Committee on
the progress of
capital works
and the
Committee noted
the same.
12.
Agenda item No.
11 :
Financial
review of the
Directorate
General of
Lighthouses &
Lightships:-
The
Financial review
of the
Directorate was
discussed . DGLL
apprised the
committee about
the financial
status of the
Directorate.
The Committee
noted the same.
13.
Agenda
Item No. 12:
Any other
Point
Marking the
wreck of M.V.
Asian Forest
DGLL informed
that the
Directorate has
marked the wreck
of M.V. Asian
Forest off
Manglore Port by
a West Cardinal
Buoy. He also
informed that a
payment of
US$1,59,180 has
been received
from the firm on
this account.
The Committee
appreciated the
promptness and
efforts of the
DGLL.
13.2.
Importance of
Lighthouses
DGLL informed
the Committee
that utility of
Lighthouses as a
visual aid are
questioned at
various
platforms.
Strongly
reacting to
such
statements, the
Chief
Hydrographer
stated that
whatever the
evolution of
techniques in
the field of
navigation
might be,
Lighthouses
have been
playing major
psychological
role in the
minds of
mariners as
“seeing is
believing”.
Nautical
Advisor too was
of the same
opinion. He
further stated
that the
Lighthouses not
only include
visual aids but
are repository
of various
electronic aids
which are
regularly used
by the
mariners. Capt.
S.K. Gupta
stated that
large ocean
going vessels do
not utilize
Lighthouses for
obtaining
bearing.
However the
utility of
Lighthouses for
Coasting and for
small vessels
was very much
there.
Concluding the
deliberations on
the utility of
Lighthouse,
Committee opined
that they are
silent sentinel
of the sea and
would be needed
by all
sections of
mariners be it a
fishing vessel,
a coasting
vessel or a
large ocean
going vessel
needing help at
the time of
contingencies.
There
being no further
point, meeting
ended with Vote
of Thanks to the
Chair.
***
ANNEXURE
83rd
MEETING OF THE
CENTRAL ADVISORY
COMMITTEE FOR
LIGHTHOUSES CACL)
HELD ON
14TH OCTOBER, 2009 AT
TRANSPORT BHAVAN,
NEW DELHI.
LIST
OF PARTICIPANTS
1. Shri
A.P.V.N. Sarma,
IAS,
Secretary
Chairman
Ministry of
Shipping
2. Dr.
A.R. Goyal,
Director(Finance)
Member
Rep.
of AS&FA
Ministry of
Shipping
3. Capt.
M.M.Saggi
Member
Nautical Advisor
to the GOI
4. Vice
Admiral B.R.Rao,
NM, VSM
Member
Chief
Hydrographer to
the GOI
5. Comdt.
M.V. Pathak
Member
Rep.
of Coast Guard
Hqrs.
6. Capt.
D.K.Mohanty,
Director (Marine
Services)
Member
Ennore Port Ltd.
7. Ms.
Sunita Nair,
Aspinwall
Member
Rep.
of K. Mathew
George
8. Capt.
S.K. Gupta,
Ambuja
Cement
Member
9.
M.M.Singh Suman
Member-Secretary
Director General
of Lighthouses &
Lightships
Special Invitee
1.
Shri Vineet Garg,
Director SCI
Ministry of
Shipping
2. Shri
Ashwani Kumar,
Superintendent,
Indian Customs,
Mumbai
3. Shri
S.K. Goswami,
US(SL)
Ministry of
Shipping
Also in
attendance
1. Capt.
A.M. Surej,
Dy.D.G., DGLL
2. Shri
P.P. Sinha,
Director (E)
3. Shri
C.B. Srivastava,
Director (C)
4. Shri
A.K. Singh, Dy.
Director(E)
5. Shri
L.B.S. Yadav, Dy.
Director (E)
6. Shri
Kulwant Singh,
AEE(E)
No.1/5/2007-
D&P
Dated the
19th
October,
2009.
To
The
Secretary to the
Govt. of India,
Ministry of
Shipping,
Transport Bhawan,
Parliament
Street,
New
Delhi-11 00 01.
[Kind Attention
: Shri S.K.
Goswami, US (SL)
]
Sub: Draft
Minutes for
the 83rd
Meeting of
Central Advisory
Committee for
Lighthouses (CACL)
held on 14th
October,2009 at
1130 hrs. in the
Conference Hall,
Transport Bhavan,
New Delhi.
Sir,
Please find
enclosed
herewith Draft
Minutes of the
83rd
CACL Meeting
held on 14th
October, 2009 at
1130 hrs. in the
Conference Hall,
Transport Bhawan,
New Delhi, under
the Chairmanship
of the Secretary
(Shipping) for
approval by the
Chairman.
Yours
faithfully,
(L.B.S.
YADAV)
DY.
DIRECTOR (E)
Encl: As above.
FOR
DIRECTOR GENERAL
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