Minister for FCS &CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI & Training Satish Sharma, today met Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal and discussed various pivotal issues regarding development of inland waterways and urban water transportation in J&K.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the Centre government for announcing special projects pertaining to water transport infrastructure and inland waterways including jetties for river cruise tourism in River Jhelum, repair of Chhatabal weir for proper navigation and operationalisation of River Chenab, Jhelum and Ravi.
During the interaction, the Minister emphasised the immense potential of developing waterways/water bodies in Jammu & Kashmir under Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), which could greatly contribute towards the socio-economic growth of the region. He drew attention of Union Minister towards development of key water bodies including world famous lakes like Dal, Nigeen, Manasbal, Anchar, Mansar, Surinsar, Ranjit Sagar and important rivers like Sindh, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Munawar Tawi that hold immense promise for both sustainable transport and tourism.
He urged to provide vessels for important lakes viz. Dal, Wullar, Nigeen, Surinsar, Mansar and river Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi in addition to other facilities like construction of Jetties/View Points at the lakes, infrastructure for establishing Passenger transport, recreational activities in important rivers like Jhelum, Sindh, Chenab, Ravi, Munawar Tawi. This will greatly help in promoting tourism and boosting socio-economic growth of rural and border areas including Akhnoor, Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Kathua Chenab Valley, Gurez, Ganderbal and Kupwara.
Satish Sharma also requested for developing infrastructure for waterway transportation in certain areas in order to promote religious tourism, establishment of a Centre of Excellence in J&K for Research, Capacity Building & Training and creation of Regional/Sub-office of IWAI in J&K, declaration of other rivers in J&K as National Waterways.
During the detailed discussion, the Union Minister assured full support from the Ministry saying that there are much more projects in pipeline which will develop and enhance inland water transport infrastructure in J&K.