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The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to develop river cruise tourism. This step will help improve tourism, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy by introducing a new mode of travel and leisure tourism in the region.
MoU Signed in Srinagar
The MoU was signed during the Chintan Shivir event held in Srinagar in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur. Other dignitaries at the event included Shri Satish Sharma, Minister of Food, Civil Supplies, and Transport, Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Shri Vijay Kumar, Chairman of IWAI.
River Cruise Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
Out of 111 national waterways in India, Jammu and Kashmir has three declared national waterways:
1. River Chenab (NW-26)
2. River Jhelum (NW-49)
3. River Ravi (NW-84)
To promote river cruise tourism, the IWAI had recently announced new cruise circuits across India. The development of cruise tourism in J&K is part of this initiative, with an estimated investment of Rs. 100 crore.
Infrastructure Development
Under the MoU, IWAI will provide important infrastructure to support cruise tourism. The plan includes:
- 10 floating jetties for smooth passenger boarding.
- Landside facilities, such as waiting halls and other amenities.
- Dredging operations to maintain navigational fairways.
- Navigational aids and hydrographic surveys to ensure safe boat travel.
The jetties will be set up in different locations across J&K:
1. River Chenab (NW-26) - Two jetties at Akhnoor and Reasi (near Jammu).
2. River Jhelum (NW-49) - Seven jetties at Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Shah-e-Hamdan, Safa Kadal/Chattabal Shrine, Sumbal Bridge, and Gund Prang (in Srinagar and Bandipora).
3. River Ravi (NW-84) - One jetty at Sohar.
Role of the J&K Government
The Jammu and Kashmir government will play an important role in the project by:
- Providing land for constructing landside facilities.
- Assisting in getting statutory clearances.
- Appointing cruise operators in different sectors.
- Working with IWAI for technical support when needed.
This MoU is a major step in developing river cruise tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. It will provide visitors with a unique travel experience while also creating employment opportunities for local people. With improved infrastructure and better connectivity, this initiative will help boost tourism and economic growth in the region.
