PANAJI
The Government of Goa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HITES (HLL Infratech Services Ltd.) to strengthen and modernise the State’s maritime infrastructure. The MoU was signed through the Captain of Ports Department in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. The agreement focuses on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for monitoring and on making ports and inland waterways more resistant to disasters.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the project aims to ensure long-term safety, uninterrupted operations and public protection at ports and inland waterways. AI-based systems will be introduced for real-time monitoring, early identification of risks and faster emergency response.
As part of the collaboration, emphasis will be placed on disaster prevention and rehabilitation works. These include strengthening jetties and waterfront structures, improving search and rescue facilities, adding specialised disaster management boats, and upgrading oil spill response systems. Scientific dredging of rivers and channels will also be carried out to reduce flooding and improve water flow, along with the construction of retaining walls and embankments to prevent erosion.
The plan further includes underground cabling to limit damage during extreme weather, construction of cyclone shelters in vulnerable coastal and riverine areas, and support for coastal road infrastructure to ensure smooth evacuation and emergency access.
The CMO said the initiative will help safeguard lives, livelihoods and key maritime and economic activities, while positioning Goa as a model coastal state adopting modern and disaster-resilient maritime infrastructure.
HITES, a Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, will bring its experience in disaster management, infrastructure resilience and technology-driven solutions to the project, with a focus on long-term safety and public protection.
