The correct option is 1, 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
India's maritime infrastructure is categorized into Major Ports and Non-Major (Minor and Intermediate) Ports. This classification is based on administrative jurisdiction and constitutional provisions rather than strictly on cargo volume.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Major ports facilitate both international trade (Export-Import cargo) and domestic trade (coastal shipping). Coastal shipping is utilized for the movement of goods between different ports within the country.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Major Ports are listed in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution and are administered by the Central Government (Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways). Non-Major ports are in the Concurrent List and are administered by the respective State Governments (Maritime Boards).
- Statement 3 is Correct: Maritime transport handles approximately 95% of India's trading volume and about 70% by value. Consequently, ports act as the primary gateways for the country's foreign trade.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: Major ports are distributed across both the Western and Eastern coastlines of India.
- West Coast Major Ports: Deendayal (Kandla), Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Mormugao, New Mangalore, and Cochin.
- East Coast Major Ports: Syama Prasad Mookerjee (Kolkata/Haldia), Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Kamarajar (Ennore), Chennai, and V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin).
Key Takeaway:
Major Ports are under the jurisdiction of the Central Government and are located on both the Eastern and Western coasts, serving as critical nodes for both international and coastal trade.