To expand inland water transport, govt to set up separate authority

He also instructed them to study the functioning of the Inland Waterways Authority of India and similar state-level bodies and prepare a draft proposal in this regard. The expansion of water transport in Uttar Pradesh is progressing rapidly and the national waterway from Prayagraj to the port city of Haldia in West Bengal is already operational, Adityanath said.

The proposed body will function as a nodal authority coordinating with the Indian Inland Waterways Authority and regulate all activities related to inland waterway transport and tourism in the state, an official spokesperson said while quoting the CM.

It will also ensure compliance with environmental and safety laws related to water transportation, besides conducting hydrographic surveys and inspections for the development and better utilisation of waterways, he added.

It will also study and analyse the data related to inland waterway traffic and conduct scientific research on inland water transportation, tourism, shipping, and navigation activities, it is learnt.

While the proposed body is likely to have the state transport minister as its ex-officio chairman, it is likely to have an expert with an extensive experience in the field of water transportation as deputy chairman, Adityanath said. Also, the state transport commissioner is likely to be its chief executive officer (CEO) with officials from departments of finance, irrigation, forestry, and culture as members.

The CM added that illegal mining or any kind of settlement should be strictly prohibited in the catchment areas of rivers.

“Vigilance is necessary in this regard. Channelisation and silt cleaning of rivers should be carried out in a timely manner,” he said.

Meanwhile, referring to the legend of Princess Suriratna, the CM said the state has a rich tradition of water transport. According to the legend, Korean queen Heo Hwang-ok, who some believe was born as Princess Suriratna in Ayodhya, travelled to Korea and married King Kim Suro. “There was a time when the Princess of Ayodhya travelled through waterways to South Korea. But the sector was neglected with the course of time,” Adityanath said.