The IWAI has made an announcement suggesting that in the next five years, they aim to spend more than 500 Cr to improve water transport infrastructure for 21 states in India. This announcement was made during the IRDC meeting, it should be noted that this news came as a concern when depending on China’s plan of building a Mega dam on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet.
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has emphasized the importance of protecting India’s riparian rights. Sonowal responded to the concerns of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart Pema Khandu, saying, ”We must ensure that our rights are not encroached on and are secure.” They remarked that the effects of this dam, which is the largest in the world, are unknown but are expected to be considerable when combined with the existing Indian water resources and ecology.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised these concerns with the People’s Republic of China because India has absolute rights as a lower riparian country. Assam has a population that would be cut in half by the dam, which would greatly reduce the ecosystem of the Brahmaputra and irreparably damage the region’s livelihoods and biodiversity.
Furthermore, the IWAI highlighted major investments such as ₹23,000 crore to enhance national waterways and establish green shipping initiatives. Highlights include the commissioning of 1,000 green vessels, the further implementation of the Kochi Water Metro Project in 15 cities, and the incorporation of new navigation technologies.
The IWDC has also suggested the Riverine Community Development Scheme targeted at raising the level of trade opportunities, tourism and skills in the riverine communities. About 62 new jetties are also planned to alleviate the congestion in road and rail networks and ship repair facilities have also been built.
The winners of the best-performing cargo operators were awarded prizes, meanwhile, new systems like the National River Traffic and Navigation System were developed to unify vessel operation and safety.
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