Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. India has one of the longest navigable inland water networks in the world. 2. Inland waterways presently help in transporting about 25 percent of the total cargo movement. 3. About 111 inland waterways have been declared as National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
3 only
Analyzing Statements on India's Inland Waterways
Let's carefully examine each statement regarding India's inland water network and its role in transportation.
Statement 1: India's Navigable Inland Water Network Length
The first statement claims that India has one of the longest navigable inland water networks in the world. While India does possess a significant network of rivers, canals, and backwaters, comparing its navigable length globally shows that several countries, such as China, the United States, and Russia, have substantially longer navigable inland waterway networks. Therefore, stating it is "one of the longest" in the world is often considered an overstatement when compared to the top contenders. Based on standard figures, India's network, while large, doesn't rank among the top few longest globally.
Statement 2: Inland Waterways and Cargo Movement Percentage
The second statement suggests that inland waterways currently transport about 25 percent of the total cargo movement in India. This figure is significantly higher than the actual percentage. Inland water transport's share in India's total cargo movement is currently very low, typically estimated to be around 2-3 percent. Other modes like roads and railways dominate cargo transportation in India. Therefore, the figure of 25 percent is inaccurate.
Statement 3: National Waterways under the 2016 Act
The third statement mentions that about 111 inland waterways have been declared as National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016. This statement is accurate. The National Waterways Act, 2016, identified and declared 111 inland waterways (including the 5 existing National Waterways) as National Waterways of India. This was a significant step towards developing and promoting inland water transport.
Evaluation Summary
Based on the analysis:
- Statement 1 is incorrect because India's network is not among the absolute longest globally.
- Statement 2 is incorrect as the share of cargo movement via inland waterways is much lower than 25 percent.
- Statement 3 is correct as the National Waterways Act, 2016, declared 111 waterways as National Waterways.
Therefore, only statement 3 is correct.
Conclusion: Correct Statements about Inland Waterways in India
Comparing our findings with the given options, the correct option should include only statement 3.
The option that selects '3 only' as correct is the appropriate answer.
| Statement No. | Statement Description | Correctness | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India has one of the longest navigable inland water networks in the world. | Incorrect | Length is significant but not among the world's top few. |
| 2 | Inland waterways presently help in transporting about 25 percent of the total cargo movement. | Incorrect | Actual share is much lower (approx. 2-3%). |
| 3 | About 111 inland waterways have been declared as National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016. | Correct | Accurate number and relevant act. |
Revision Table: Key Facts on Indian Inland Waterways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Navigable Length | Approx. 14,500 km (rivers, canals, backwaters, etc.) |
| Share in Cargo Transport | Approx. 2-3% of total cargo movement |
| National Waterways | 111 declared under National Waterways Act, 2016 |
| Governing Authority | Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) |
Additional Information: Boosting Inland Water Transport
The Indian government is actively working to promote inland water transport due to its potential benefits, which include being fuel-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly compared to road and rail transport. The declaration of 111 National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016, was aimed at developing these routes for navigation. Initiatives are being taken to improve infrastructure such as terminals, fairways, and navigation aids along these waterways. The development of integrated logistics networks connecting waterways with road and rail is also a focus area to increase the share of cargo movement by water.
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List-I
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List-II
(Headquarters)
A.
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1.
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B.
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2.
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C.
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D.
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How many of the above statements is/are correct?
