Sonowal announced plans to establish community jetties and explore the feasibility of Ro Pax ferries. These measures are expected to not only enhance local tourism offerings but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
In a significant move aimed at bolstering Nagaland’s economic prospects and enhancing regional connectivity, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced ambitious plans to harness the water resources of the state. Speaking at a Stakeholders’ Conference in Dimapur, Nagaland, Sonowal outlined key initiatives focusing on the development of Tizu Zunki River (National Waterways 101) and the tourism potential of Doyang River Lake.
The conference, organized by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), witnessed the unveiling of plans to conduct a detailed feasibility study for the development of Tizu Zunki River. This initiative, a collaboration between IWAI and the Government of Nagaland’s Department of Transportation, aims to transform the river into a navigable waterway suitable for cargo and passenger transport. The project includes the provision of technical assistance from IWAI to facilitate navigation infrastructure development along National Waterway 101.
Highlighting the tourism potential of Doyang River Lake, Sonowal announced plans to establish community jetties and explore the feasibility of Ro Pax ferries. These measures are expected to not only enhance local tourism offerings but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
Addressing the gathering, Sonowal emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of inland waterways, citing them as cost-effective and sustainable modes of transportation crucial for regional development. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is committed to leveraging India’s rich water resources to propel the nation towards becoming the fifth-largest economy globally,” he stated.
Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, echoed these sentiments, urging the youth to consider maritime skills training at the Maritime Skill Development Centre to capitalize on emerging employment opportunities in the marine sector.
The development of Tizu Zunki River holds strategic significance as it flows into Myanmar, connecting to the Chindwin River and eventually the Irrawaddy River. This linkage presents opportunities for enhancing cargo movement from Northeast India to international trade routes via the Irrawaddy Delta.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) through IWAI has been actively pursuing various projects to unlock the potential of Northeast India’s waterways. Projects such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the development of fairways on the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route underscore the government’s commitment to integrating the region into broader economic corridors.
In conclusion, the initiatives announced mark a pivotal step towards harnessing the natural resources of Nagaland for sustainable economic growth and fostering greater connectivity within the Northeast region. The collaborative efforts between the central government, state authorities, and stakeholders aim to transform the vision of leveraging waterways into a tangible reality that benefits both local communities and broader regional interests.
