J&K has huge potential for inland water transport: IWAI chief

Jammu and Kashmir has huge potential for inland water transport as linking this sector with rich culture and traditional commerce will lead to people developing stakes in it, the chairperson of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) said here today.
IWAI chief Nutan Guha Biswas stated this at a meeting with officials from the state including J&K Chief Secretary B B Vyas.
The chairperson said Jammu and Kashmir has the privilege of having four national waterways out of 111 national waterways in the country.
"The most prestigious Jhelum Waterway will be a game changer for enhancing connectivity in the Kashmir division and it can be done through better coordination between various central and state departments," she said.

The Chief Secretary said the government is fully committed for reviving inland water transport and it will supplement the existing road infrastructure and ease traffic congestion.
He said besides movement of people, the water transport will also enable transport of agriculture and horticulture produce from orchards and field along the rivers.

While commenting on a presentation made by state convener of INTACH Salim Beigh, Biswas said Jhelum river has helped in evolution of a glorious civilisation along its banks.
She said major handcraft industry, beautiful heritage buildings, religious tourism and other aspects of culture are interwoven with the Jhelum.
Biswas asked for incorporating inputs and creating such projects wherein people develop a stake in water transport.

Beigh said restoration of banks, facade treatment of heritage buildings, creation of public spaces and other such initiatives can be taken up with minimal cost. He also called for a strong legal framework to preserve the waterways.
The chairperson said other national waterways in the state on the rivers Ravi, Indus, and Chenab have equally huge strategic, economic and cultural value and will be exploited in a phased manner.
She also shared a copy of feasibility report for inland water transport with the chief secretary.