UP Chief Minister Pushes for Formation of State Waterways Authority

He said that eminent experts need to be appointed for the post of chairman and vice-chairman in the Authority. The transport commissioner of the state should be nominated as its CEO.

The CM said that the authority will work in coordination with the Inland Waterways Authority of India as the nodal authority. “All activities related to inland water transport and tourism will be regulated by the authority,” he said, pressing for the compliance with environmental and safety laws related to water transport, hydrographic survey and investigation for development and better use of waterways.

Yogi said that the inland water traffic data should be studied and analysed by the authority. Scientific research should be done in areas related to inland water transport, tourism and shipping and navigation-related activities. Technical training should also be given to stakeholders and officers/employees related to inland water transport.

He also underscored the need for determining the catchment area for proper utilisation and regulation of the waterways of the rivers, besides channelising the rivers and keeping them navigable throughout the year. Yogi pressed the need of carrying out dredging activities for uninterrupted flow and establishment of infrastructural facilities for inland water transport, etc. The authority will play an important role in preparing the circuit route, he said.

The CM said that coordination of water transport with other modes of transport and encouraging public-private partnership 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.