Assam CM Advocates for Waterway Transportation to Lower Carbon Footprint
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Guwahati, Jan 10 (NationPress) On Friday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the importance of enhancing waterway transportation to reach India's objectives for reducing carbon emissions. Sarma, alongside Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the 2nd meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council at Kaziranga, which featured the launch, inauguration, and announcement of projects valued at Rs 1,405.26 crore.
During his address, Chief Minister Sarma asserted that the waterways sector deserves equal consideration as other modes of transport including roads, aviation, and railways.
He pointed out that utilizing waterways is not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly, allowing travelers to witness the stunning beauty of nature.
Sarma emphasized the need to promote waterway transport in accordance with India's commitment to tackling climate change and achieving zero carbon emissions.
He also mentioned that if we could redirect 30 percent of the total transport volume to waterways, India could significantly lessen the effects of climate change.
The Chief Minister noted that the meeting's results, along with new projects, would aid in revitalizing Assam's waterways, thus fostering economic growth in the northeast region and beyond.
On this occasion, Sarma urged Union Minister Sonowal to advocate for a scheme to secure funding from both the Central and state government for acquiring at least 30 dredgers for Assam.
According to the Chief Minister, these dredgers would enhance transportation and improve flood management and mitigation.
He remarked on the deep-rooted relationship between civilizations and rivers, stating that the use of waterways has a long history. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of other transportation modes has become increasingly crucial over time.
However, he noted that since Narendra Modi assumed the role of Prime Minister, there has been a significant increase in the use of waterways, as multiple initiatives have been introduced to revitalize the sector, redefining the role of waterways in achieving Viksit Bharat.
