Under the National Waterways Act, 2016, how many inland waterways have been declared as 'national waterways'?
111
Understanding the National Waterways Act, 2016
The question asks about the number of inland waterways that were officially declared as 'national waterways' under the provisions of the National Waterways Act, which was passed in 2016.
Before the enactment of the National Waterways Act, 2016, India had only a few designated national waterways. This act significantly expanded the network of waterways recognized as important for transport and navigation across the country.
The National Waterways Act, 2016 was a major step taken by the Indian government to promote inland water transport as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of moving goods and people.
Number of National Waterways Declared
The National Waterways Act, 2016, identified and declared a specific number of additional inland waterways as 'national waterways'. This declaration brings these waterways under the purview of the central government for development and regulation for shipping and navigation.
According to the National Waterways Act, 2016, the total number of inland waterways designated as national waterways is 111. This number includes the 5 existing national waterways that were already in place before the Act was passed. The Act effectively added 106 new waterways to the list.
| Legislation | Total National Waterways Declared | Includes Existing Waterways | New Waterways Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Waterways Act, 2016 | 111 | Yes (5) | 106 |
The declaration of these waterways as national waterways aims to facilitate investment in infrastructure like terminals, navigation channels, and other facilities required for efficient inland water transportation.
Significance of Inland Waterways
Inland waterways play a crucial role in the transport sector. They offer several advantages compared to road and rail transport:
- Cost-effective: Generally cheaper for bulk cargo transport.
- Fuel-efficient: Uses less fuel per ton-kilometer.
- Environmentally friendly: Lower carbon emissions compared to other modes.
- Less congestion: Helps in decongesting roads and railways.
Expanding the network of national waterways through acts like the 2016 Act is part of a larger strategy to improve India's logistics and transport infrastructure.
Revision Table: Key Facts on National Waterways Act 2016
| Act Name | Year Enacted | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| National Waterways Act | 2016 | Declared 111 inland waterways as National Waterways |
Additional Information on Indian Inland Waterways
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the statutory body in India responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation. It was established in 1986.
The major existing national waterways before the 2016 Act included:
- NW-1: Allahabad to Haldia (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system)
- NW-2: Sadiya to Dhubri (Brahmaputra river)
- NW-3: Kollam to Kottapuram (West Coast Canal and Champakara & Udyogamandal canals)
- NW-4: Kakinada to Puducherry (Godavari & Krishna rivers and canals)
- NW-5: Talcher to Dhamra (Brahmani river and canals)
The 2016 Act consolidated and expanded this network significantly, covering various rivers, canals, and other water bodies across different states.
Important Questions from National Acts and Policies
The first National Park in India, established in 1936 was named -
