Tizu Zunki River Development Set to Boost Nagaland’s Economic Landscape.
New Delhi:
In a pivotal move aimed at harnessing the economic potential of Nagaland, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Nagaland Chief Minister Shri Neiphiu Rio, unveiled ambitious plans during a Stakeholder’s Conference held in Dimapur today.
The focal point of the conference was the announcement to develop Tizu Zunki (National Waterways 101) as a key inland waterway. The initiative, a collaboration between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Transport Department of the Government of Nagaland, aims to conduct feasibility studies for navigation enhancement. This strategic endeavor seeks to facilitate efficient cargo and passenger transport, leveraging waterways as a sustainable and cost-effective mode of transportation.
Furthermore, Rio and Sonowal highlighted plans to tap into the tourism potential of Doyang River Lake, proposing the construction of community jetties and exploring the feasibility of Ro Pax ferries. These initiatives are poised to bolster tourism in the region significantly.
Speaking at the conference, Sonowal emphasized the pivotal role of waterways in economic development, echoing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance India’s transportation infrastructure. He underscored the Northeast’s potential as a growth engine for the country and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging the region’s diverse waterway network for national progress.
The conference, attended by key stakeholders including Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along, and several Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly members from Nagaland, underscored a collaborative effort to propel Nagaland’s economic growth through enhanced maritime infrastructure.
The IWAI, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, is actively pursuing various projects in the region, including the Kaladaan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and development initiatives along the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). These efforts are aimed at integrating Northeast’s waterways into international trade routes, thereby fostering economic connectivity and growth.
With plans underway to establish the Maritime Skill Development Centre in Nagaland, the ministers also called upon the youth to train in maritime skills, thereby facilitating employment opportunities in the marine sector.
The development of Tizu Zunki River and the broader initiatives announced mark a significant step towards harnessing Nagaland’s natural resources for sustainable economic development and positioning the state as a key player in India’s growth story.
