National Waterways-44

Why is in news? Shri Shantanu Thakur inaugurates dredging work at National Waterways-44, Ichamati River in West Bengal

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways with its continuous efforts is developing and modernizing National Waterways to promote inland water transport as a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transportation

The Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways has inaugurated the dredging work at National Waterways 44 (Ichamati River) in West Bengal.

To bring improvement of navigability water hyacinth, weeds, wastes including plastic and non-plastic materials, natural and artificial (dumped materials) were cleared from Tentulia (Ch 40km) to Kalanchi (Ch 63.38 km) and dredging quantity was assessed.

In 1st phase Taranipur (Ch 61.9km) bridge is under active consideration for construction on deposit work basis through Government of West Bengal and funding of ₹ 136 .20 crores under Sagarmala project of Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways.

IWAI has also taken step to replace existing temporary bamboo bridge for which Jadavpur University, Kolkata has been assigned the work for study/design, drawing & cost estimate for replacing temporary bamboo bridge at Swarupnagar.

Connectivity with Bangladesh:

For decongestion of traffic from Ghojadanga –Bhomra and Petrapole –Benapole Integrated Check Post (ICP), Joint Technical Committee comprising of members from India and Bangladesh has been formed to assess the feasibility study of Ichamati river for its navigability and inclusion in Protocol on Inland Water Transit & Trade (PIWT&T) as new Indo Bangladesh Protocol route from Hemnagar - Kalanchi - Khedapara ( 170.38km).

Hemnagar to Bansjhari, Mallikpur: 82 km – proposed IBP route

Bansjhari,Mallikpur to Kalanchi: 63.38 km – NW-44

Kalanchi to Khedapara: 25 km – proposed IBP route

Total: 170.38 km

The development of waterways in India is a continuous process involving both short-term and long-term planning and implementation. It plays a crucial role in reducing transportation costs, promoting trade, and easing congestion on roads and railways.

About the river:

Ichamati River is a trans-boundary river which flows through India and Bangladesh and also forms the boundary between the two countries.

The river is facing the problem of siltation leading to thin flow of water in the dry season and floods in the rainy season.

Experts are handling the situation and remedial matters are being discussed between the governments of India and Bangladesh.