State and Centre discuss development of National Waterway-5 in Bhubaneswar
Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Union Secretary Vijay Kumar co-chaired a meeting regarding the 588-km inland water connectivity project.
A high-level state-Centre meeting was held in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday to discuss the development of National Waterway-5 (NW-5), according to Odisha Bytes.
The 588-km project includes a 332-km riverine section from Talcher to Paradip or Dhamra within Odisha and a 256-km canal stretch from Dhamra to Geonkhali in West Bengal.
The meeting was co-chaired by Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary Vijay Kumar, with industry stakeholders and state departments in attendance.
Discussions focused on coordination between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Odisha government regarding land acquisition, statutory clearances, and hydraulic structures.
Stakeholders highlighted requirements such as the development of the Khalpal Navigational Lock, shifting of HT/LT lines, and releasing water to maintain the required Least Available Depth (LAD).
Garg assured the state government would provide all necessary support for the timely implementation of the Odisha portion of NW-5 and projects for industrial development and cruise tourism.