Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Thursday participated in the 3rd Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting held in Kochi, Kerala, underscoring Himachal Pradesh’s strategic role in India’s inland water transport vision. The high-level meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and was held onboard the cruise vessel Imperial Classic, symbolising the Centre’s growing focus on inland waterways.
Focus on River Cruise and Religious Tourism
Addressing the Council, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted key initiatives for the development of inland waterways in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, with particular emphasis on river cruise tourism and religious tourism circuits. He informed members that the River Ravi, designated as National Waterway–84, is being developed for river cruise tourism between Ranjit Sagar Dam and Chamera Dam at Gandhian. Jetty–1 on this stretch is scheduled for completion by January 2026.
The Minister further stated that the River Sutlej (National Waterway–98) is being explored for a religious and tourism circuit linking Tatapani and Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh with Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab. A feasibility study for the project is currently underway.
MoU Signed for Collaborative Development
Marking a significant step towards cooperative development, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Himachal Pradesh. The agreement aims to strengthen coordination and accelerate inland waterways projects in the State.
Himachal Seeks Greater Support from Centre
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri strongly advocated for faster development of inland waterways in Himachal Pradesh. He pointed out that most rivers identified for inland waterways across the country originate in the State, making Himachal Pradesh a key stakeholder in the national inland waterways framework.
Agnihotri urged the Government of India to provide enhanced technical and financial assistance, including the deployment of hydro-electric catamaran vessels. He said such vessels would be environmentally sustainable and well-suited to the fragile hill ecology of the State.
Reiterating the State Government’s commitment, the Deputy Chief Minister assured full cooperation with the Centre and IWAI to promote eco-friendly inland water transport, boost tourism, generate employment, and ensure sustainable regional development.
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