Nagaland charts new course for development with waterways

DIMAPUR — Nagaland is setting its sights on harnessing the power of its waterways for economic development, as the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) held a ‘Stakeholder Conference’ in Chümoukedima on Monday.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, joined Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in announcing key initiatives aimed at transforming the state’s rivers into arteries of trade and tourism.

Notably, Sonowal highlighted the Tizu-Zungki River, designated as National Waterways 101, as a potential route for both cargo and passenger transport, and announced that a detailed feasibility study for its development would be conducted jointly by IWAI and the state Transport department. 

Stating that the Tizu-Zungki River (NW 101) is one of the most promising among India’s 111 declared national waterways, he recalled the Nagaland government’s request for its development some years ago.

The movement of cargo and passenger transport as well as cruise tourism may be feasible, he said, adding that upon commencement, the project would be completed within a defined timeframe to ensure that full benefits reach the people.

The minister also said that Doyang is one of the most beautiful lakes in the north-east region, and a crucial habitat for falcons, earning it the moniker “falcon capital” of the country. He stressed the need for special attention from both the central and state governments to prioritise the preservation of the lake’s unique flora and fauna.

Linking Nagaland’s development to the broader national goal of self-reliance, he urged the youth of the state to actively participate in this transformation and acquire relevant skills at the Maritime Skill Development Centre to capitalise on emerging employment opportunities in the maritime sector.

Tizu and Zungki state’s priority

Chief Minister Rio underscored the importance of the Tizu and Zungki rivers for Nagaland, calling them the state’s top priority. He said that the river, flowing from the districts of Kiphire and Phek into neighbouring Myanmar, is navigable.

Highlighting the presence of two proposed hydropower projects on the river (Lower Tizu and Upper Tizu), he stressed the need for strategic decision-making. “If we want to utilise the river for waterway transport and export our products, we have to decide on hydropower development in the upper sector,” he said.

While acknowledging Nagaland’s hilly terrain, Rio pointed out that eight out of the state’s 16 districts are located in plain areas — Mon, Longleng, Mokokchung, Wokha, Niuland, Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Peren.

He revealed that the government proposed a railway line connecting these districts in 2013 but due to the lack of adequate foothill roads, villagers were unwilling to relinquish land for the railway project, stalling its progress. The villagers insisted on road development as a precursor to providing land for the railway, he added.

Untapped potential

Rio highlighted the state’s untapped potential, stating that despite its rich natural resources, exploration and utilisation of these resources have been hindered by the unresolved political issue.

Specifically referencing the abundance of water bodies in Nagaland, including the Dhansiri and Chathe rivers, both part of the Brahmaputra river system, he proposed the construction of dams. These dams, he explained, would not only serve the purpose of creating reservoirs for water management but also open up possibilities for recreational boating and water transportation.

Further, he noted a prevailing reliance on government jobs and support among the people of Nagaland and pointed to the lack of significant industrial activity, large-scale entrepreneurship, and manufacturing sector in the state.

While the government plays a crucial role, “it can only contribute 10% and the private sector must contribute the remaining 90%, and that depends on the people’s participation,” he said.

Acknowledging that ports, shipping, and inland waterways are relatively new avenues for the state, Rio appealed to the people to step out of their comfort zones, and actively participate in these new ventures.

The government department alone cannot achieve success without the active involvement and participation of the people, he stressed.

Doyang can open new avenues

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton said that the focus of the conference was to identify the key challenges and opportunities in the inland waterways (IWT) sector.

The north-east region, with its network of rivers, offers a unique chance to enhance trade, tourism, and connectivity if infrastructure such as multimodal terminals, intermodal terminal, fairways, tourist jetties and community jetties are developed, he said.

Highlighting the potential of river tourism, he said that the Doyang River can create new avenues for commerce, opening up markets and fostering economic growth, which will not only benefit local businesses but also attract investments from outside the region.

Furthermore, developing cruise routes and supporting infrastructure can attract tourists from across the globe, showcasing the unique cultural and natural heritage of the NE region, which in turn will generate employment opportunities and boost the local economy, Patton said.

The event saw participation from various stakeholders, including members of Parliament, state legislators, senior officials from both the central and state governments, and representatives from the IWAI.