NEW DELHI, March 1: The National Water (Lakhipur-Bhanga Stretch of the Barak River) Bill, 2007 was passed by the UPA Government in the Lok Sabha recently. Union Minister for Transport and Shipping TR Balu introduced the Bill and it was passed in the House without much discussion. Only Karimganj MP Lalit Mohan Suklabidhya was available in the House.
After introducing the Bill the Union minister said the infrastructure currently available on the National Water (Lakhipur-Bhanga Stretch of the Barak River waterway are not adequate for safe, convenient and sustained shipping and navigation by large mechanised vessels.
Around one-and-a-half years ago the Union Cabinet had cleared this Bill. Union minister Balu further informed the House that it had been visualized that inland water transport traffic with a load to the tune of 10.53 lakh tonnes is likely to be carried on the proposed national water after its full development by 2011-12.
He also informed the House that the traffic is expected to be handled at four terminals –Lakhipur, Silchar, Badarpur and Bhanga. It is estimated that the expenditure with respect to the said development will be of Rs 64 crores which will of non-recurring nature. The Union minister further said that the in addition, it is estimated that an annual expenditure of Rs 4.20 crores of recurring nature will be made for operating the water terminals.
Karimganj MP Suklabidhya said “It is one of the most important development steps for the valley but also flood and erosion problem may be reduced after the navigation process started.” The Sentinel
After introducing the Bill the Union minister said the infrastructure currently available on the National Water (Lakhipur-Bhanga Stretch of the Barak River waterway are not adequate for safe, convenient and sustained shipping and navigation by large mechanised vessels.
Around one-and-a-half years ago the Union Cabinet had cleared this Bill. Union minister Balu further informed the House that it had been visualized that inland water transport traffic with a load to the tune of 10.53 lakh tonnes is likely to be carried on the proposed national water after its full development by 2011-12.
He also informed the House that the traffic is expected to be handled at four terminals –Lakhipur, Silchar, Badarpur and Bhanga. It is estimated that the expenditure with respect to the said development will be of Rs 64 crores which will of non-recurring nature. The Union minister further said that the in addition, it is estimated that an annual expenditure of Rs 4.20 crores of recurring nature will be made for operating the water terminals.
Karimganj MP Suklabidhya said “It is one of the most important development steps for the valley but also flood and erosion problem may be reduced after the navigation process started.” The Sentinel
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