Introduction: Unveiling the Inland Waterways Development Council

The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) was recently launched in Kolkata, primarily aimed at bolstering the river cruise tourism industry in India. Together with the introduction of the 'Harit Nauka' guidelines and the 'River Cruise Tourism Roadmap, 2047’, this initiative is set to revolutionise the way India uses its inland waterways.

What's Sparking News: Launch of IWDC

The launch of the IWDC has brought about an impetus for the development of river cruise tourism within the country. This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure, introduce 26 extra waterways, and augment the number of cruise circuits, thus fostering both domestic and international cruise tourism traffic on National Waterways.

Constitution and Mandate

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has been recognized as the organisation behind the campaign. The IWAI is intended to bolster the development of inland waterways for the purposes of shipping and navigation, and transport of cargo and passengers.

Government Endeavours: Boosting Inland Waterways

The central government has thrown its weight behind the council’s mandate by instigating numerous measures that seek to boost the role of inland waterways. The government aims to increase the modal share of Inland Water Transportation (IWT) from the current 2% to around 5% through the Jal Marg Vikas Project.

Key Terms for Understanding

  1. Harit Nauka Guidelines: It is a set of guidelines introduced to promote cleaner, pollution-free inland water transport by reducing carbon footprint and improving efficiency.
  2. Inland Water Transportation (IWT): Refers to transport networks with rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks providing a cost-effective, logistically advantageous and environmentally sustainable mode of transport.
  3. Jal Marg Vikas Project: A major initiative by the government to augment the capacity of navigation on National Waterway 1 (NW1), providing an alternative and efficient transport system.
  4. River Cruise Tourism Roadmap, 2047: A detailed plan to enhance infrastructure and increase the number of cruise circuits to boost local and international tourism.
  5. Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC): The council established for the development and advancement of inland waterways in India.
  6. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): It is the statutory body in charge of the waterways in India. Its primary role is the regulation and development of inland waterways for the purpose of navigation and shipping.

The establishment and objectives of the IWDC exhibits the government's serious commitment towards boosting the usage of inland waterways, fostering sustainability, and promoting tourism in India.