(a) whether Extension of National Waterways-3 is under the consideration of the Union
Government;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government of Kerala has submitted any proposal/suggestion for development
of `Smart Waterways`; and
(d) if so, details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) to (d): Kottapuram-Kollam stretch of the West Coast Canal alongwith Champakara canal
and Udyogmandal canal were declared as a national waterway (NW-3) in 1992. A proposal for
upgradation of Kollam-Kovalam and Kottapuram – Kasargode stretches of West Coast Canal as
National Waterway (as extension of National Waterway No. 3) was formulated by Inland Waterways
Authority of India. However, it was decided that the proposed extension of NW-3 beyond
Kottapuram in North and Kollam in South should be considered after the existing National
Waterway No. 3 is made fully functional.
In a Memorandum submitted by the Chief Minister of Kerala to the Hon’ble
Prime Minister in August, 2005, ten ‘Missions’ presented by the Hon’ble President during his
address to the State Assembly were mentioned. One of these ‘Missions’ was ‘Smart inland
waterways’. The components suggested under ‘Smart Inland Waterways’ are enclosed at
Annexure-I. Under this Mission most of the action is to be taken by the State Government.
The component which relates to Central Government is about the upgradation of Kollam-Kovalam
and Kottapuram – Kasargode stretches of West Coast Canal as National Waterway. As stated in
preceding paragraph, extension of NW-3 may be considered once the existing National Waterway
becomes fully operational.
ANNEXURE-I
IMPORTANT COMPONENTS OF ‘SMART INLAND WATERWAYS’
# Upgradation of Kollam – Kovalam and Kottapuram – Kasargode stretches of West Coast Canal
as National Waterway and establishing smart waterway network from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargode.
# Making full use of existing canals and river systems for transportation, commerce and tourism.
# Modern boats and barges etc suitable for Kerala conditions – tie up with international
institutions for latest design and construction technologies – the Kerala State Council for
Science and Technology would need to take the lead.
# Navigational aids, controls, regulations.
# Jetties and landing stations.
# Safety related infrastructure
# Environmental protection and waster disposal – setup mechanism to ensure the environmental
quality standards of the waterways.
# Adoption of fast track mode of land acquisition.
# Speed up the inland waterway component of the World Bank supported KSTP project.
# Develop synergies with Tourist Development focusing on cruises and facilities on bank.
# Develop a symbiotic relationship with traditional fisherman so that their legitimate
interests are protected.
# Follow a two stage approach with the first stage making the existing canals fully functional
and the second stage up grading the existing waterways and filling up gaps to achieve national
and international standards.
# Establishing a regulatory authority network of expert institutions like NATPAC, CWRDM and
CESS to provide R&D and technical backup.
# Follow the empowered committee approach for project approval and implementation.