The parliamentary standing committee on transport has called for coordination between the Centre and Kerala Government to make the National Waterways 3 navigable for the benefit of both cargo movement and tourism development.
The 205-km waterways from Kottappuram to Kollam has great potential for cruise tourism, cargo shipment, linking ports and international steamer service. The authorities should strive to reap all the potential revenue sources anticipated with the waterways, the committee observed.
Pressure on roads
The panel headed by Sitaram Yechury pointed out that a substantial chunk of the traffic from the road can be diverted to waterways once it become navigable, thereby reducing the congestion on highways. Kerala is facing acute road connectivity problem and the construction of national highways is not coming up to desired levels.
In this situation, if the waterways are cleared it could considerably reduce the pressure on the roads, the committee noted.
Tourism potential
Likewise it is essential to expedite the NW 3 development to connect mainstream tourism destinations and circuits in various stretches of waterways.
Backwater experience is one of the most sought after tourism products in Kerala. However, the southern side of Alappuzha has been not tapped fully linking it with mainstream tourism destinations. Especially the Kodungallur - Muziris area which needs to be well connected by the waterways and necessary development works needs to be taken up, the committee said.
As the development of cargo terminals along the waterways are progressing well, there is a need to give adequate publicity to the advantages of moving containers so that it can regain the container volumes. The terminals also need to be equipped to handle all types of cargoes.
Dredging
The panel also urged the Shipping Ministry to give expedite the dredging work as it is essential for waterways development. It is pointed out in the report that the dredging and widening work has been hampered due to resistance by local fishermen by placing their nets in the fairway.
Besides, the problems pertaining to the disposal of dredged material on the banks of canal without raising the local sentiments also needs appropriate solution, the report said.
sajeevkumar.v@thehindu.co.in