Quote:In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal also outlined the key projects being undertaken by the Centre through the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in Odisha.

"Government of India through Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has taken up development of six declared National Waterways (NWs) i.e. Brahmani & Mahanadi Delta & East Coast Canal (NW-5), Baitarni River (NW-14), Birupa River-Badi Genguti-Brahamani River System (NW-22), Buddha Balanga River (NW-23), Mahanadi River (NW-64) and Subarnarekha River (NW-96) in the State of Odisha for both cargo and river cruise tourism," Sonowal said.

The minister highlighted that the Centre is working on water infrastructure upgrades, including ports, terminals, docks, and navigation systems in Odisha. These projects include:

1. Development of NW-5 for evacuation of coal through Talcher coal fields and connectivity to Pankapal Industrial area.

2. Jetty for river cruise tourism around Bhitarkanika Forest on Baitarni River (NW-14).

3. Birupa River -BadiGenguti -Brahmani River System (NW-22) - river cruise to connect the "Diamond Triangle" of the "Ratnagiri-Udayagiri-Lalitgiri" complex.

4. Buddha Balanga River (NW-23)- river cruise from Hidden Beach (Chandipur) to Balasore city.

5. Mahanadi River (NW-64) - Class-VII standard waterway (carrying capacity of 2000 DWT vessels), navigational aids and passenger jetties at Bahakud-Musadiafor ferry service.

6. River Subarnarekha (NW-96)- river cruise connecting Panteighat to Bichitrapur Mangroves and Bhusandeswara Temple (Asia’s largest Shivlingam) and adjoining Digha Sea Beach (in West Bengal) with dedicated floating jetties at each location.

On the Chilika lake development, the minister said that development of the lake comes under the Odisha government's domain but if the state government wants, the IWAI may provide technical assistance to it.