Before undertaking any development activities, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) undertakes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) studies for compliance of the laid down norms as prescribed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change duly safeguarding the aquatic life and ecosystem. Necessary approvals wherever required are obtained.

IWAI intends to engage with Department of Tourism, Govt. of Tamil Nadu under a framework of MoU for potential cruise tourism development in Inland Waterways in the State of Tamil Nadu.

Before taking up any developmental activity, Detailed Project Report (DPR) is prepared duly encompassing the economic benefits accruing to the catchment area and the recommendations of DPR are followed to the extent possible.

IWT mode is a cheaper mode of transport vis a vis other modes of transport i.e Road/Rail and modal shift of commodities to this mode may reduce the logistics cost. The major industrialization along the River Banks of Tapi (NW-100), River Amba (NW-10), River Jaigad Creek-Shastri River (NW-91) is a prime example which collectively moves around 98.67 MMT of Cargo on inland waterways. 

This information was given by the The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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DS/AK

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