Work commences on converting 106 rivers into national waterways

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has begun the preparatory works on converting 106 rivers into National Waterways (NWs) by making them navigable. In April 2016, the government had declared 106 rivers across the country as national waterways, which will be used to move freight cargo.    In Phase-I, eight NWs are being considered for development.    Bihar (NW-37, Gandak and NW-58, Kosi), Uttar Pradesh (NW-40 Ghaghra), Goa (NW-68, Mandovi, NW-111, Zuari and NW-27, Cumberjua Canal), West Bengal (NW-97, Sunderban), and Assam (NW-16, Barak) are some of the states that the eight NWs would cover.   As per reports, while the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for these waterways are ready, the tender process for fairway development of two NWs – river Barak in Assam and Ghaghra in Uttar Pradesh respectively – have been initiated. The tenders for construction of jetties for Goa waterways will be taken up shortly, reports indicate.    And, for another 46 waterways, which are in coastal and tidal regions, two stage DPR studies have been initiated, which are in the final stage of preparation. Development works will further be under taken based on the recommendations. While of the remaining 52 waterways which are in remote, inaccessible and hilly regions, only feasibility studies have been ordered. Field surveys in 44 NWs have been completed and are in progress in another four. And, draft feasibility report of 36 NWs have been received and are under evaluation.