Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The first Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) in Kolkata, was recently launched for the development of river cruise tourism in India.
- The IWDC also launched the ‘Harit Nauka’ guidelines and the ‘River Cruise Tourism Roadmap, 2047.’
- The roadmap aims to enable capacity in 26 additional waterways, increase the number of cruise circuits, and enhance infrastructure, with the goal of significantly boosting cruise tourism traffic and local cruise tourism on National Waterways.
- The IWDC was organized by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
- The government has undertaken various measures, including the Jal Marg Vikas Project, to enhance the role of inland waterways and increase the modal share of Inland Water Transportation (IWT) from 2% to 5%.
