Navigating choppy waters

KOLLAM: With the formation of the Kerala Waterways and Infrastructure Development Ltd, the state has taken a giant leap in the largely underexploited sector of inland waterways. A joint venture between the state government and Cochin International Airport Ltd, the body is expected to tap the immense navigational and tourism opportunities the waterways offer.Meanwhile, officers with the Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation said the approach of local residents, along the Kollam-Kozhikode stretch, to the land acquisition and related processes and the laxity of the authorities in ensuring better infrastructural facilities including road connectivity have delayed the project.

“Regional issues had plagued the operation of NW-3. From land acquisition issues to protest of disposal of dredged materials, the waterways could only be operated at a limited stretch,” said an Inland Navigation officer. He said the resistance from the fisherfolk in removing Chinese fishing nets at Kollam and Kayamkulam has further stalled the operation.

“Earlier the district administration was asked to provide adequate compensation to the people who had to relocate their nets,” he said. “However, many fishing nets have been erected illegally to try to cash in the opportunity to claim the compensation. In the case of Kollam, the issues related to the width of T S Canal and Kovilthottam Bridge is also a problem.”

Director of Inland Navigation Suresh said, “The plan is to develop the inland waterways from Kovalam to Kollam in the south and from Kozhikode to Kasargod in the north. With this, the state could reap the benefits of a seamless transport route. Also, the utilisation of the waterway will depend on the involvement of private parties and companies including Chavara KMML.”

The 365-km stretch of the Nileswaram-Kovalam waterway is NW- 3, being maintained by the Centre. The state is looking towards investing in the remaining 225 km.