Srinagar, May 14 (UNI) Amid the government of India putting the Indus Water Treaty 'in abeyance', the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has launched initiatives to develop river navigation infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.



The river navigation infrastructure will be developed in three national waterways in the Union Territory- NW-26 (River Chenab), NW-49 (River Jhelum), NW-84 (River Ravi), officials said.



Initially, according to the government sources, they will begin the river infrastructure navigation projects and already Rs 150 crore have been sanctioned for it.

After India put the IWT in abeyance, officials say the IWAI has a vast mandate and can execute freely without anyone interfering, taking excuse of the IWT.



After the Pahalgam attack, India on April 24 announced that it would hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan ceased its support for cross-border terrorism.



An official spokesman said IWAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to develop river navigation infrastructure.



“The Authority will now start the development works under the framework of the MoU. These works include setting up of floating jetties at ten locations in Jammu and Kashmir, development of navigational fairway by dredging wherever required, night navigational aids, and regular hydrographic surveys for safe plying of vessels in these waterways,” the spokesman said.



“IWAI has made several infrastructural interventions to develop waterways as a robust engine of growth. With proactive steps like developing IWT terminals and related infrastructure, IWAI is working towards utilizing the immense potential of rivers across the country,” the spokesman said.



The partnership between IWAI and the Jammu and Kashmir government is a significant step that promises to promote eco-tourism in the union territory while also stimulating the local economy, he added.

In addition, the IWAI is overseeing several other projects, including the development of water navigation infrastructure in Kashmir’s Dal and Wullar lakes. Officials said that IWAI had previously proposed setting up a cruise hotel on Wullar lake as part of its broader plans.



The IWAI, which is under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has also set up its new office in Srinagar. The office space has been provided by the J&K government.

“This office will be central to all the IWT works being undertaken by the Authority in the region,” the spokesman said.



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