No privatisation of Dredging Corporation of India: Gadkari
Visakhapatnam, July 13 : Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday ruled out privatisation of Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) and said the company will be acquired by three major ports and made more efficient.
He added that there was no question of closing down the state-owned company either.
Gadkari's remarks came amidst reports of the government planning to sell its entire 73 per cent stake in the company which is under the administrative control of the Shipping Ministry.
"We have taken a decision at the department level and we are just waiting for the Cabinet approval. Three major ports -- Visakhapatnam Port, Paradeep Port and New Mangalore Port -- are now ready to acquire the government stake in the Dredging Corporation of India," he said.
The Minister added there were also plans to restructure the company so that it becomes more efficient and stronger, and could take projects not only in India but also abroad.
"So, the question does not arise about the closure of Dredging Corporation of India," he said.
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Puducherry (PTI): Puducherry experienced heavy rains on Saturday morning prompting the union territory administration to send SMS alerts to around 12 lakh residents cautioning them to remain vigilant as cyclonic storm Fengal is expected to make landfall near here later in the day.
District Collector A Kulothungan told PTI that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that people remained safe.
"We have evacuated people from low lying areas and shelter homes are ready to accommodate them. Arrangements were also made to supply food packets," he said adding that National Disaster Relief Force from Arakonam has arrived to engage in relief and rehabilitation works.
According to the official, cyclone Fengal was expected to cross the coast in the evening. Control rooms have been opened in the collectorate and also in the line departments.
Toll free numbers 112, 1077 and also WhatsApp number 94889 81070 have been put in place to help people facing crisis to contact for help.
Cyclone Fengal is likely to cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram coasts close to Puducherry, official sources said. The government has advised people to stay indoors.
The entire stretch of beach road and also several tourist spots were closed to ensure that there was no movement of the people near the sea shore.
Schools and colleges remained closed today.
