In India, the Inland Waterways Authority (IWAI) has agreed to guide and support the government of Rajasthan as it builds an inland shipping port at Jalore. The port will help develop navigation facilities in western Rajasthan and contribute to the region’s socioeconomic development. In a statement, the Ministry of Shipping announced that business development opportunities are to be explored by the state government for limestone, gypsum, lignite and cement plants along the canal.
The project comprises a canal with a minimum draft of 3 m to be built between Mori Creek and Jalore. Existing cherras and rivers may also be explored for establishing connectivity between Jalore and Mori Creek. The proposal includes plans to desalinate the water for use in irrigation, which would help develop drought-resistant crops. The viability of saline-resistant crops such as soya will also be studied. A further study will be undertaken to look at how the Indira Gandhi Canal could be made navigable, and the plan will also look into the development of smart cities along the new canal.
A pre-feasibility study will be undertaken by WAPCOS and should be submitted within 5 months, monitored and guided by IWAI.
Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui