Sarbanand Sonwal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, visited Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s best-performing Port, on Thursday, August 22, 2024,  to ­­inaugurate three lake beautification and rejuvenation projects in the JN Port vicinity. He also reviewed various infrastructure and developmental projects at the Port.On arrival at the Port Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA welcomed Union Minister, MoPSW, Sarbananda Sonowal. The visit marked a significant moment in JNPA's ongoing efforts to advance India's maritime infrastructure and contribute to the nation's growth under the 'Viksit Bharat' vision.  Highlighting JNPA’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Minister inaugurated three significant water bodies aimed at enhancing the ecological balance in the region. These include the Admin Building Foothill Lake and the CPP Lake, both of which are strategically located within the port vicinity, serving as vital reservoirs for rainwater harvesting and habitat restoration. The groundbreaking ceremony of the Jashkar Lake was also performed by him. These lakes are named after the great saints of Maharashtra Saint Dyaneshwar Maharaj, Saint Eknath Maharaj and Saint Namdeo Maharaj. During the visit, he also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Smart SEZ project. The objectives of this project include preventing perimeter intrusions, ensuring disciplined vehicle movement, streamlining gate operations, tracking the in-and-out time punches of all personnel and vehicles, and extending network connectivity to all utility buildings for LAN users. Additionally, the project aims to provide the necessary infrastructure for future applications such as an Energy Management System, Smart Water Management, Smart Street Lighting, Smart Parking, and Weighbridges. He planted a sapling under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative at JNPA SEZ.