Tizu–Zungki river system gains National Waterway-101 status as Nagaland pushes for trade links with Southeast Asia.
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DIMAPUR — In a significant boost to Nagaland’s connectivity ambitions, the Tizu–Zungki river system has been declared National Waterway-101, with the state pushing for its development as a strategic trade and transport corridor linking the Northeast with Southeast Asia.
A press release on Friday informed that Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye attended the 3rd Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting held in Kochi, Kerala, where the declaration was discussed among key stakeholders.
Expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Kenye urged that the Tizu–Zungki project be taken up with sincerity, citing its strategic location along the India–Myanmar border and its potential to enhance trade and commerce with Southeast Asian countries.
Highlighting the need for seamless and cost-effective transportation in the Northeast, the minister stressed that inland waterways could play a crucial role in improving connectivity across Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, while also strengthening local industries, promoting inter-state trade and facilitating export opportunities.
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Kenye also made a submission for extending inland waterways from Lakhimpur to Nagaland through Barak River, stating that such connectivity would further integrate Nagaland into the regional transport network.
The minister, who is also the chairman of the Nagaland Inland Waterways Board, submitted a separate representation to the Union minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways seeking focused development of water bodies within the state.