The Hindu : Kerala News : Waterways can be a viable transport alternative peoplespeak

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Sunday, Oct 28, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala

Waterways can be a viable transport alternative peoplespeak

The Kollam-Kottapuram stretch of National Waterway III is set for commissioning, kindling hopes of a cheaper, environment-friendly, and fuel-efficient mode of transport that can also promote tourism. Does inland water transport have the potential to emerge as a major mode of transport in Kerala, which has 10 per cent of India’s navigable waterways. Our readers respond:

Wise decision

The government is trying to implement a project that would restore a very convenient mode of transport which was widely used in the State long ago. It is a welcome move and it will be widely acclaimed. Though water transport is very pleasant, comfortable and safe, it consumes much time. We live in a fast society where time is money. The implementing agencies should keep that in mind. The slow movement should not prevent the prospective traveller.

The operation of services should be in sync with the necessities of the modern day man. Transportation of goods will also become cheaper. The tourism sector will also derive benefits. Tourists will enjoy the enthralling country sides of the State.

N. Ramachandran

Vakkom

Boost to tourism

Connecting the waterways of our State has been conceived as a huge development work several times before. It was but given up due to one reason or the other. An alternate to our choked roads is a must. Apart from providing an eco-friendly and fuel-efficient transport system, waterways also provide facilities for safe movement of passengers and cargo. As a matter of fact, this system should have been developed long ago. The number of vehicles on our roads is bound to increase. Waterways will also boost tourism in thee State.

K.P. Karunakaran Nair

Thiruvananthapuram

Study all aspects

The proposal to develop a waterway from Kasaragod to Kovalam appears to be very attractive. Its feasibility and actual utility in terms of cost and benefit should but be thoroughly investigated. The 168-km Kollam-Kottapuram waterway is feasible because only a few linkage canals are required to connect the already existing chain of water bodies that run parallel to the coast. Work to link the water bodies from Kottapuram to Valapatanam and from Kollam to Kovalam will require huge investments. It will also disturb the soil and land. The impact of such large-scale disturbance, induced by human activity, should be studied in detail. K.V. Ravindran

Payyannur

Revive our waterways

There was a time in the history of Kerala when the State mainly depended on water ways for passenger and goods transport. In the backdrop of heavy traffic on land, it is better that we revive our abandoned inland navigation which will be cheaper, environment friendly, and fuel efficient. It will also provide job opportunity and promote tourism. The recent visit by the Chief Minister to the Varkala tunnel to explore the feasibility of water transport, if taken as a hint of the government policy in this direction, will do good to the State.

V.P. Ramesan

Thripunithura

Ideal solution

There is little doubt that the people of the State will wholeheartedly welcome the move to popularise water transport. Waterways are being proposed and implemented at a time when most roads in the State are in a pathetic condition. With the commissioning of Kollam-Kottapuram stretch of National Waterway III, the demand for similar routes will surely shoot up. This will popularise water transport as a cheap and reliable mode of transport. For a State burdened with a vast vehicle population and ill-maintained roads, water transport is the ideal solution. The chances of collision are also remote. The problems of dust, smoke and sound will also be low. Fuel efficiency is an additional advantage. Our roads are choked and driving is a dreadful experience. Time and fuel are wasted. With the option of waterways open, people will switch over to this most comfortable and cheap mode of transport. Consequently, the current rush witnessed in trains and buses will be eased. People are badly in need of a cheaper, safer and more comfortable mode of transport and the government is moving in the right direction with its resolve to promote water transport. The tourism sector too will benefit from the move. Effective measures should, however, be taken in advance to minimise pollution from boats so as to protect our waterways. The keen interest the Chief Minister has taken in the matter is commendable.

N.K.Vijayan

Kizhakkambalam

Right direction

The decision by the Sate government to commission the Kollam-Kottappuram stretch of National Waterway III is a step in the right direction. This would certainly help save a lot in terms of fuel.

It will also be not harmful to the environment. But, adequate steps should be taken to ensure that things like fuel spill do not occur. Passengers also should not be allowed to throw things out mindlessly. The waterway will help ease congestion on roads. It will enable easier and speedy transport of goods. It is definitely an eco-friendly alternative.

This would help in the long run. The tourism sector will also benefit from the move. In this context, the government should be more pro-active in taking steps to popularise water transport. The State has a number of navigable waterways.

Joseph George A.

Thripunithura

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