Government declares 106 more waterways as national waterways

New Delhi, Dec 9: The central government on Wednesday declared 106 more inland waterways as national waterways by amending 'The National Waterways Bill, 2015'.

The decision was taken by the union cabinet that met here under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to an official statement, the total number of national waterways in the bill has now gone up to 111.

The statement said the latest declaration on 106 waterways would not have any immediate financial implications.

"Financial approval of the competent authority for each waterway will, however, be taken based on the outcome of the techno-economic feasibility studies currently being undertaken by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)," the statement elaborated.

The statement pointed out that 106 more national waterways would enable IWAI to develop feasible stretches for shipping and navigation.

"The right over the use of water, river bed and the appurtenant land will remain with the state governments," the statement added.

"In addition, other benefits to states are: fewer accidents, less congestion on roads, cheaper mode of ferrying passengers, reduced logistics costs in cargo movement and development of adjoining areas."

IANS