Question

India’s water transport sector has shown significant growth and potential with the inland waterways Authority of India (IWAI) recording a high cargo movement. India has approximately 14500 kms of navigable waterways comprising of rivers, canals, backwaters and creeks. 111 waterways are declared as National Waterways promoting IWT.

(iv) Name any two rivers which provide inland water transport in South India.  (2)

(v) What are the physical, economic and environmental factors that influence the development and utilisation of Inland Waterways for transportation in India?  (3)

(vi) Why are Inland Waterways not a popular means of transport in India?  (2)

Answer 1

(iv) River Krishna, River Kaveri, River Godavari, River Tungbhadra and River Periyar.

(v) Factors influencing development and utilisation of inland waterways:

• Rivers and canals must have a sufficient flow of water.
• Perennial flow of water is required to enhance navigability.
• River bed should be smooth and free of features like cataracts and rapids.
• The presence of huge market for waterways is also required for making it an economically viable mode of transport.
• Human activities that cause industrial and agricultural waste pollute the waterways and hinder water transportation.

(vi) 

• The presence of seasonal rivers and unsuitability for navigation makes them an unpopular means.
• They are slow.
• They are not used widely./They are not in much demand.
• There is an uneven flow of water in river.