The National Waterways Bill passed by the Parliament to enhance Water Based Transportation
National Waterways Bill, was passed by the Parliament on Wednesday, which provides for declaring certain inland waterways as national waterways with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod to the legislation.
The bill was passed by Lok Sabha in December 2015.
The five acts on the existing national waterways, will not be covered under this bill.
Under it, 106 additional inland waterways will be added to the list of national waterways, taking the number to 111.
Inland Waterways has received lesser investment as compared to roads and railways, although they are recognize as a fuel efficient, cost effective and environment friendly mode of transport.
The bill’s statement of objectives said that, “Since inland waterways are lagging behind other modes of transport, the central government has evolved a policy for integrated development of inland waterways.”
Under entry 24 of the union list of the constitution’s seventh schedule, the central government can make laws on shipping and navigation on inland waterways which are classified as national waterways by parliament.
Inland Waterways Policy
Here is an excellent post on Inland waterways policy: Dredging through the silt.
Notes:
1. IANS
- Pentagon cancels aid to Pakistan over record on militants - September 2, 2018
- The curious case of Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEET - September 4, 2017
- If 2.6 Billion People Go To War: India vs. China - July 22, 2017
