A ship anchored at Dhamra port. Telegraph picture

Paradip, May 28: The Inland Waterways Authority of India has initiated measures to implement Rs 5,000 crore-worth national waterways-5 stretching between Paradip and Dhamra ports.

The waterways authority has asked the state government to remove the existing barriers at Sujanpur along the Kani-Kharasuan river system for unhindered navigation between Paradip and Dhamra.

The anicut over the Kani river has emerged as a stumbling block for navigation and it needs to be removed before the waterways-5 could get under way. Besides, it also wants construction of a new barrage at Jakodia — the project could be taken up by the state government in a joint endeavour with the waterways authority.

A senior officer of the commerce and transport department said the state water resources department and director of ports had been apprised of the prerequisites of the national waterways project.

The authority has sought for the clearance of the navigational hurdles. Accordingly, the concerned state government wings have been told to initiate measures in this regard.

The all-important waterway would cover a 588-km stretch, including Talcher coal belt and port hubs such as Paradip and Dhamra.

Of the 588-km long waterways-5, nearly 323km from Talcher coal belt to Paradip and Dhamra has been identified as economically viable waterway zone.

A large number of industries and coal companies could reap benefit if the waterways-5 comes up. The project would be environment-friendly and pollution-free, said an official.

Coal, coke, fertilizer, cement, mineral iron, steel and aluminium are important cargo to be transported through this proposed national waterway. Besides, agricultural produce such as paddy, rice, straw, animal feed, fodder, jute, coconut, fish products, house-building materials, finished products, cruise parties for tourism will also add to the traffic.

“The proposed national waterways would come in handy for Paradip port. Though the project is at an infant stage, it would boost the economy of the riverside areas. Besides, waterway cargo transportation would be hassle-free than the rail and roadways,” said Paradip Port Trust chairman Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra.