(a) whether in order to decongest the road traffic in Varanasi, U.P. the Government have any scheme to expand the National Waterways by deepening the Baruna and Ganga rivers;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the total amount allocated for the purpose; and
(d) the time by which the said scheme is likely to be implemented?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT
( DR. DEBENDRA PRADHAN )
(a) to (d): No Sir. There is no such scheme for Baruna river. However, in view of the recent request received from Commissioner, Varanasi, for development of Varuna river for the purpose of navigation, action has been initiated to obtain detailed project proposal in this regard. The river Ganga is already declared as National Waterway No.1, from Haldia to Allahabad. It passes through Varanasi. Maintenance and up-keeping of National Waterways which include deepening, dredging, bandalling etc of navigational channels is a continuing process. For implementing various schemes for development of National Waterways No.1, a sum of Rs.14.55 crores has been allocated in the Annual Plan 2000-01.