Daily Current Affairs : 18-December-2024

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways recently launched the ‘Jalvahak’ scheme, which focuses on promoting inland waterways and the movement of cargo through them. This initiative has the potential to transform India’s logistics sector by improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Objective of the Jalvahak Scheme

The primary goal of the Jalvahak scheme is to unlock the trade potential of India’s inland waterways. By encouraging the movement of cargo via rivers and canals, the government aims to:

  • Reduce Logistics Costs: Using waterways for cargo transport is more cost-effective compared to road and rail, reducing the overall cost of logistics.
  • Alleviate Congestion: Waterways help reduce the burden on roads and railways, easing traffic congestion and improving transport efficiency.

The scheme specifically targets long-haul cargo movement on three major National Waterways (NW): NW 1 (Ganga), NW 2 (Brahmaputra), and NW 16 (Barak).

Incentives under the Scheme

To promote the use of inland waterways, the Jalvahak scheme offers several incentives:

  • Reimbursements: Up to 35% of the operating expenses for cargo movement on these waterways can be reimbursed.
  • Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route: It supports cargo movement through this route, encouraging international trade.
  • Private Vessel Usage: The scheme encourages the hiring of private vessels, which promotes competition, improves service quality, and boosts operational efficiency.
Economic and Environmental Impact

The Jalvahak scheme is expected to have significant economic and environmental benefits:

  • Shift in Cargo Movement: The scheme aims to shift 800 million tonne-kilometres of cargo to waterways by 2027.
  • Cargo Growth Targets: The government targets increasing cargo movement on waterways from 132.89 million tonnes in 2023-24 to:
    • 200 million tonnes by 2030
    • 500 million tonnes by 2047

This will contribute to the growth of the Blue Economy and support the government’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

The Role of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) plays a crucial role in the development and regulation of inland waterways. Established in 1986, IWAI is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of these waterways.

  • Navigable Waterways: India has a vast network of 14,500 km of navigable waterways, including rivers, canals, and backwaters.
  • National Waterways Act, 2016: The government has declared 111 waterways as National Waterways (NW) under this act, which includes both existing and new routes, helping to further develop the inland waterways system.
Important Points
  • Jalvahak Scheme Launch: Launched by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways to promote inland waterways and cargo movement.
  • Objective:
    • Unlock trade potential of inland waterways.
    • Reduce logistics costs and congestion on roads and railways.
  • Target Waterways: Focus on National Waterways 1 (Ganga), 2 (Brahmaputra), and 16 (Barak).
  • Incentives:
    • Reimbursement of up to 35% of operating expenses for cargo movement on NW 1, 2, and 16.
    • Encouragement of private vessel usage to promote competition and efficiency.
    • Support for cargo movement through the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.
  • Economic and Environmental Goals:
    • Shift 800 million tonne-kilometres of cargo to waterways by 2027.
    • Increase cargo movement from 132.89 million tonnes (2023-24) to 200 million tonnes by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047.
    • Support the Blue Economy and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives.
  • Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):
    • Established in 1986 to regulate and develop inland waterways.
    • Manages India’s 14,500 km of navigable waterways, including rivers, canals, and backwaters.
    • The National Waterways Act, 2016 declared 111 waterways (5 existing, 106 new) as National Waterways.
Why In News

Recently, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways launched the ‘Jalvahak’ scheme to promote inland waterways and cargo movement, aiming to create a more efficient and sustainable logistics network while reducing the reliance on road and rail transport.

MCQs about The Jalvahak Scheme for Inland Waterways
  1. What is the main objective of the Jalvahak scheme?
    A. To improve air freight services
    B. To promote cargo movement through inland waterways
    C. To build new highways and railroads
    D. To increase export of agricultural products
    Correct Answer: B. To promote cargo movement through inland waterways
    Explanation: The primary objective of the Jalvahak scheme is to unlock the trade potential of inland waterways by promoting the movement of cargo through rivers and canals. This reduces logistics costs and congestion on roads and railways.
  2. Which National Waterways are specifically targeted by the Jalvahak scheme?
    A. NW 3 (Godavari), NW 5 (Mahanadi), NW 8 (Saraswati)
    B. NW 1 (Ganga), NW 2 (Brahmaputra), NW 16 (Barak)
    C. NW 4 (Krishna), NW 6 (Narmada), NW 7 (Yamuna)
    D. NW 10 (Mekong), NW 11 (Indus), NW 12 (Brahmaputra)
    Correct Answer: B. NW 1 (Ganga), NW 2 (Brahmaputra), NW 16 (Barak)
    Explanation: The Jalvahak scheme specifically focuses on promoting long-haul cargo movement on National Waterways 1, 2, and 16, which are the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak rivers, respectively.
  3. How much cargo movement is targeted to shift to inland waterways by 2027 under the Jalvahak scheme?
    A. 500 million tonne-kilometres
    B. 800 million tonne-kilometres
    C. 1 billion tonne-kilometres
    D. 1.5 billion tonne-kilometres
    Correct Answer: B. 800 million tonne-kilometres
    Explanation: The Jalvahak scheme aims to shift 800 million tonne-kilometres of cargo to inland waterways by 2027, supporting a significant increase in water-based cargo transport.

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