Long proposed Tizu-Zungki waterways gains renewed traction

July 16, 2024 8 Views No Comment

Union Shipping Minister Sonowal pushing for developing Nagaland’s waterways potential

Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 16

The long proposed Tizu-Zungki inland waterways project has apparently gained renewed traction. According to the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, his Ministry is making a major push for exploiting the long rumoured waterways potential of Nagaland. He made the revelation at a conclave, touted to be a ‘Stakeholders Conference,’ organised by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), in Chümoukedima, on July 15.

Sonowal, alongwith, Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio addressed the conference. Other state dignitaries included Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton; Rajya Sabha Member, Phangnon Konyak; Lok Sabha Member, S Supongmeren Jamir, Minister Temjen Imna Along Longkumer and other state legislators.

The Tizu-Zungki waterway, officially recognised as National Waterways (NW) 101, has largely remained on the drawing board since it was proposed some 20 years ago. Today, at the Conference, Sonowal committed to developing the NW 101. The IWAI and Nagaland Transport Department will be collaborating to conduct a detailed feasibility study of the project.

He said that the target is to develop an efficient “Inter Regional Connectivity” of the northeast via waterways. Terming waterways as the most economical mode of transportation, he said that the push for waterways development is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. He said that the NE has a major role to play in the growth trajectory of India, stating, “Waterways of the Northeast provide us an excellent opportunity to build on the nation building momentum.” He also urged the youth of Nagaland and the region to cash in on the renewed thrust in the waterways sector by training in maritime skills. The Maritime Skill Development Centre located in Guwahati, established in 2023, is the first such institute in the NE region.

Sonowal further informed that initiatives will be taken to harness the tourism potential of the Doyang reservoir. The development proposed at the reservoir includes construction of community jetties and studying the feasibility of introducing ‘Ropax’ ferries.

He later told media persons that his Ministry, under the direction of the Prime Minister, is “taking a lot of initiative in the entire region for better connectivity, better communication” and even the promotion of cruise tourism. According to him, the Nagaland CM has been extending full support to the Ministry.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that the people of Nagaland, as the primary stakeholders should grab the opportunities now made available in the NE. “We have to come out of our comfort zone and go out,” he said, while stating that the majority of the state’s populace is still lost in the “government job mentality.” He claimed that the state has water bodies, which are navigable. He named the Dhansiri and Chathe rivers as two examples.

Terming the Tizu-Zungki project as a big priority, he added that there are also two hydro projects proposed on the Tizu— Lower and Upper Tizu.

“Nagaland is so rich in mineral resources but because of our unresolved Naga political issue, we remain poor,” he said.

About NW 101
The proposed Tizu-Zungki waterway or NW 101 will link up Nagaland with the Chindwin river, Myanmar and beyond. On the Nagaland side, it is set to run approximately 42 km, starting from Longmatra in Kiphire to Avangkhu in Phek’s Meluri sub-division. From Avangkhu, it will link up with the Chindwin and on to the Tamanthi port traversing some 117 km.
According to the Commissioner & Secretary, Transport, Dr Zasekuolie Chusi, the NW 101 is envisioned as a gateway to the Bay of Bengal, and by extension, the eastern ports of India, and to the Southeast Asian countries.

Chusi told The Morung Express that the project was given the NW 101 nomenclature in April 2016, which was followed by survey. The DPR, however, did not work out. He said, “We had a threadbare discussion with the IWAI and we have resolved to (redo the) survey and prepare a new DPR.” He said that the project will come to fruition soon but could not put a date.

As land, more often than not, becomes a stumbling block, he said that the state government is trying to bring on board all stakeholders or landowners along the river course.

He informed that the day’s conference was attended by land-owning villages that fall in the proposed NW 101 and other stakeholders. The other stakeholders, who were invited, included the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, villages adjacent to the Doyang Hydro project, tour and travel operators and skilling agencies.