A report released by official auditor of India CAG entitled ‘Land Management in Major Ports’ has found that nearly 50% of total land at India’s top 12 ports is unutilised, according to the Economic Times.
The report said: “Land measuring 9,287.46 hectares was identified for future activities by ports, while 5,279.35 hectares were yet to be earmarked for any future activity. Thus, 14,566.81 hectares, representing 46.63% of total land under the possession of ports, remained unutilised.
“Extension of leases were made without approval of the Ministry and there were cases as old as 1987 awaiting approval from the Ministry for renewal of lease.
“A review mechanism may be put in place in the Ministry stipulating at least half yearly review of land management decisions and activities of individual ports, which would help ensure compliance with the policies in vogue.”
More than 2,225 hectares of land is currently required over the next 20 years for these terminal projects to be completed and to add 3.6 million TEU per year.
