Dredging for Inland Water Transport Link Begins.

Following the Government’s proposal to develop an inland water transport (IWT) linking Kalinga Nagar industrial area, Paradip Port, Dhamara Port and Talcher, the authorities have started dredging work in river Tantighai, Kharasrota and other rivers .

“We have started dredging work in river Tantighai to spruce up the river and make it navigable to build a temporary terminal at a cost of `47 crore in Earada,” said Avinash Roul, Deputy Project Director of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Bhubaneswar.

'Some villagers of Earada and its nearby areas recently demanded compensation in lieu of their land as they have land near the river. We along with the officials of the district administration are trying to sort out the matter', said Roul.

'The water levels of some of the rivers were not adequate to run a cargo vessel for which we will properly dredge the rivers up to a depth of three metres to the make rivers navigable for vessels carrying 3000 tonnes', he added. Inland waterways will reduce pollution and is cheaper than other modes of transport. Inland waterways would also help in generation of employment and provide more business opportunities, added Roul.

The first phase of 201 km connects Jokadia and Pankapal near Kalinga Nagar with Dhamara and Paradip. In its second phase, this will extend up to Talcher with 131 km distance. This 332 km inland waterway was declared a National Waterway 5 seven years back.

The proposed inland waterway covering 332 kms in Brahmani, Kharasua, Kani, Tantighai, Dhamara, Luna and Mahanadi, is expected to be completed in five years. The project was estimated to cost Rs. 4200 crore, added Roul.

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS