up-cabinet-approves-inland-waterways-body-to-boost-transport

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to set up an inland waterways authority to improve water transport and tourism in the state.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday night, where the government approved the Uttar Pradesh Waterways Authority Rules.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna said on Thursday that the Cabinet discussed 12 proposals, and 11 were approved.

Why is this important?

India has 111 national waterways, with 11 in Uttar Pradesh, covering major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna. The new authority will help make water transport cheaper, easier, and more efficient. This will also help reduce traffic on roads and boost trade.

The authority will be led by either the transport minister or an expert in waterways, ports, and shipping, chosen by the chief minister.

Other key members will include:

1. A vice-chairperson, selected from experts.
2. Senior officials from finance, tourism, public works, irrigation, and environment departments.
3. A representative from the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
4. The Uttar Pradesh transport commissioner, who will be the chief executive officer.

Promoting water tourism

The government also wants to use rivers to connect tourist places, making travel more fun and boosting the economy.

The Cabinet also approved several other projects, including:

• Emergency Services: ₹43 crore will be spent to replace 469 old emergency vehicles for the 112 helpline. The government will buy new two-wheelers and four-wheelers to improve services.
• Education: Primary school teachers will get high-tech tablets to improve learning. The central government will provide ₹51.66 crore, and the state government will add ₹14.68 crore.
• Healthcare: The trauma centre at King George’s Medical University (Lucknow) will be expanded. A patient utility complex worth ₹272.97 crore will also be built. This will help seriously injured patients get better medical care in one place.

These projects will help improve transport, tourism, education, and healthcare in Uttar Pradesh.