Immense possibilities in inland waterways transport, expedite formation of Inland Waterways Authority: CM Yogi

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 27 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a review meeting regarding the formation of Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority in a high-level meeting on Sunday and gave instructions to expedite completion of the process for formation.

Discussing the nature of the Authority, the Chief Minister said, “Responsibility for the tops posts of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Authority should be given to eminent experts. The Transport Commissioner of the state should be nominated as its CEO.”

The Chief Minister said that this authority will work in coordination with the Inland Waterways Authority of India as the nodal authority.

“The Authority will regulate all activities related to inland water transport and tourism and also ensure compliance with environmental and safety laws related to water transport, hydrographic survey and investigation for development and better use of waterways,” he said.

The Chief Minister further said that the inland water traffic data should be studied and analyzed by the authority.

“Scientific research should be conducted in relation to inland water transport, tourism and shipping and navigation-related activities. Technical training related to inland water transport should also be organised for stakeholders and officers/employees,” the CM added.

The Authority will play a crucial role in the determination of catchment area in the context of proper utilization and regulation of the waterways of the rivers of Uttar Pradesh, besides channelizing the rivers and keeping them navigable throughout the year, carrying out dredging activities for uninterrupted flow and establishment of infrastructural facilities for inland water transport in addition to preparation of the circuit route, the CM said.

The Chief Minister directed that coordination of water transport with other modes of transport and encouraging public-private partnership and private partnerships would also be done by the authority.

He said that the nature of every river is different. “In such a situation, the authority should decide the standard for the classification of inland waterways,” he added.