Discuss the problems and prospects of National Waterway No. 1.

Problems Facing National Waterway No. 1

Despite being the longest NW in India, NW-1 faces numerous challenges hindering its efficient operation and development.

1. Navigational Challenges

• Shallow Draft & Fluctuating Water Levels: The Ganga river experiences significant seasonal variations in water levels, leading to a shallow draft (depth of water required for a vessel to float). This restricts the movement of larger vessels, especially during the dry season.
• Siltation: Heavy siltation in the riverbed reduces the navigable depth and requires frequent dredging.
• Riverbank Erosion: Erosion along the riverbanks poses a threat to infrastructure and navigation.
• Obstacles: Presence of bridges with low vertical clearance, unplanned structures, and natural obstacles like sandbanks impede smooth navigation.

2. Infrastructure Deficiencies

• Limited Terminals: Insufficient number of well-equipped terminals for cargo handling and passenger movement. As of 2023, only a few terminals like Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia are operational.
• Lack of Navigation Aids: Inadequate navigational aids like buoys, beacons, and electronic charts hamper safe and efficient navigation.
• Connectivity Issues: Poor last-mile connectivity to road and rail networks limits the seamless transfer of cargo.

3. Financial Constraints

• High Dredging Costs: Maintaining a navigable depth requires continuous dredging, which is expensive and environmentally sensitive.
• Investment Requirements: Developing infrastructure, procuring vessels, and implementing the Jal Marg Vikas Project require substantial financial investment.
• Private Sector Participation: Attracting private sector investment has been challenging due to perceived risks and uncertainties.

4. Environmental Concerns

• Dredging Impacts: Dredging can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, affect water quality, and impact biodiversity.
• Pollution: Industrial and domestic effluents discharged into the Ganga pollute the waterway and pose health risks.
• Impact on River Ecology: Increased vessel traffic can disturb the river's natural flow and affect aquatic life.

Prospects of National Waterway No. 1

Despite the challenges, NW-1 holds immense potential for economic development and improved connectivity.

1. Economic Benefits

• Reduced Transportation Costs: Water transport is significantly cheaper than road and rail, reducing logistics costs for businesses.
• Trade Facilitation: NW-1 can facilitate the movement of bulk cargo like coal, cement, food grains, and fertilizers, boosting trade and commerce.
• Industrial Development: Development of industrial clusters along the waterway can stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
• Tourism Potential: Cruise tourism on the Ganga can generate revenue and promote cultural heritage.

2. Connectivity Enhancement

• Linking Major Ports: NW-1 connects major ports like Haldia and Kolkata with inland destinations, improving connectivity and reducing transit times.
• Multi-Modal Transport: Integration with road and rail networks through intermodal terminals creates a seamless transportation system.
• Regional Development: Improved connectivity can spur economic development in the hinterland regions along the Ganga basin.

3. Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP)

Launched in 2014, the JMVP is a World Bank-funded project aimed at developing NW-1. Key components include:

• Dredging: Ensuring a navigable depth of 3 meters.
• Terminal Development: Constructing multi-modal terminals at strategic locations.
• Navigation Aids: Installing modern navigation aids.
• Riverbank Protection: Implementing measures to prevent erosion.

4. Government Initiatives

• Sagarmala Programme: Synergizes with the Sagarmala Programme to promote port-led development and enhance connectivity.
• Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): IWAI is responsible for the development and regulation of NWs in India.

Parameter	Current Status (as of late 2023)	Target (JMVP)
Navigable Depth	Varies significantly; often less than 2 meters	3 meters
Operational Terminals	Varanasi, Sahibganj, Haldia (limited capacity)	More than 20 multi-modal terminals
Cargo Traffic	Relatively low; around 3-5 million tonnes annually	80-100 million tonnes annually