New Delhi, Apr 3 (PTI) The Lok Sabha on Thursday cleared a bill that seeks to regulate vessels engaged in trade within the Indian coastal waters.

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, was passed in the Lower House by voice vote.

Also Read | Narmadapuram Shocker: Father Ties Up, Assaults Son-in-Law's Relatives in MP as Daughter Chooses to Marry Against Family’s Wish.

In his reply to the debate on the Bill, Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal termed it as a very important legislation providing for a much-needed exclusive, strategic and futuristic law for optimal utilisation of nation's immense, untapped potential in coastal shipping.

The minister had moved the Bill for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Also Read | Supreme Court Verdict on WBSSC Jobs: Ineligible Candidates Have To Return INR 11 Lakh to INR 26 Lakh.

Under the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, coastal waters mean territorial waters of India, along with adjoining maritime zones. PTI SID

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)