(a) whether the Government have made any survey of the potential of the River Godavari as an Inland Waterways System;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the sufficient technical expertise exists to build launchers and other river craft to use the river Godavari in Andhra Pradesh;
(d) if so, whether any survey has been made by the experts team in this regard; and
(e) if so, the findings thereof on the potential of existing facilities to increase river transport on the Godavari?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) & (b) Yes sir. Detailed Hydrographic Survey and Techno-economic feasibility study for navigation in Cherla-Rajamundry stretch of river Godavari was conducted during 1988-89. Another techno-economic feasibility study for development of canal system from Kakinada to Mercaunam integrated with Godavari and Krishna river systems was conducted during 1997-99.
(c) to (e) Yes, Sir. The techno-economic feasibility study has recommended various insfrasturctural development works including vessels required for making the integrated waterway system viable for inland water transport.