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Today, we're going to explore the concept of waterways. Can anyone tell me why waterways are considered important for transport?
Because they are cheaper than other modes of transport?
Exactly! Waterways are the cheapest means of transport, especially for bulky goods. Now, can someone explain how this benefits our economy?
It helps in reducing costs and allows for the movement of goods efficiently!
Right! Lower costs mean that products can be sold at cheaper prices, benefiting both businesses and consumers. Letβs remember this with the acronym **Economic Benefits through Waterways (EBW)**βE is for Efficiency, B is for Bulkiness, and W is for Wallet-friendly.
Thatβs a good way to remember it!
Great! So, overall, efficient transport via waterways enhances trade and, by extension, economic development.
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Letβs dive into the specific waterways. India has designated several as National Waterways. Who can name one?
The Ganga river between Allahabad and Haldia!
That's correct! This waterway is crucial, stretching over 1620 kilometers and promotes both trade and transportation. Can anyone think of the benefits of having multiple national waterways?
It probably spreads the load of transport, so no single waterway gets congested!
Exactly! It leads to smoother operations and enhanced connectivity across regions. Remember the phrase **Connectivity Equals Prosperity**!
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Now, let's look at sea ports. Whatβs the significance of ports like Mumbai and Kandla?
They handle a large volume of international trade, right?
Absolutely! About 95% of India's foreign trade passes through these ports. This shows their pivotal role in the economy. Can anyone tell me a port that was established after Independence?
Kandla!
Correct! Established to reduce congestion at Mumbai port after the division of India. Keep in mind the mnemonic **KANDLE**βK for Kandla, A for Active trade, N for New post-independence, D for Development, L for Logistics, and E for Economic growth.
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Waterways have historically been an essential transport method in India, offering cost-effective solutions for moving heavy and bulky goods. This section discusses the various national waterways and their economic importance, as well as India's major sea ports and their role in international trade.
The chapter discusses waterways as an integral component of India's transportation network. Waterways are the cheapest means of transport, most suitable for heavy and bulky goods. They are fuel-efficient and eco-friendly, and India has a network of 14,500 km of inland navigation waterways, with 5,685 km navigable by mechanised vessels. The section identifies key national waterways established by the government, including:
In addition, domestic and international trade via coastal ports is highlighted, as 95% of India's trade volume relies on seatrade, emphasizing the role of major ports such as Kandla, Mumbai, and Chennai. This section underscores the significance of waterways in enhancing trade efficiency and economic development of the nation.
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Since the ancient period, India was one of the seafaring countries. Its seamen sailed far and near, thus, carrying and spreading Indian commerce and culture. Waterways are the cheapest means of transport. They are most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods. It is a fuel-efficient and environment friendly mode of transport.
In ancient times, India had a strong maritime tradition, with seafarers who traveled extensively. Waterways are essential for transportation because they are cost-effective, making it cheaper to move bulky items compared to road or air transport. Additionally, using waterways reduces fuel consumption and is better for the environment, which is crucial in today's world where climate change is a significant concern.
Think of moving house. If you have many heavy boxes, using a truck (which represents road transport) is more challenging and expensive than using a large boat (which represents waterways) to carry them across a lake. Waterways can accommodate larger items more efficiently.
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India has inland navigation waterways of 14,500 km in length. Out of these, only 5685 km are navigable by mechanised vessels.
India boasts a substantial network of inland waterways totalizing about 14,500 kilometers. However, only a little over 5,600 kilometers are suitable for modern mechanized boats. This highlights the need for better infrastructure and possibly investment to enhance the navigability of more waterways, allowing for increased usage of this transportation mode.
Imagine trying to ride a bicycle on a rough pathβonly the sharpest bicycles can manage on difficult terrain. Similarly, not every waterway is prepared for large mechanized boats. By upgrading these waterways, we can have more 'bicycles' on 'smooth paths,' allowing easier travel.
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The following waterways have been declared as the National Waterways by the Government: β’The Ganga river between Allahabad and Haldia (1620 km) - N.W. No.1 β’The Brahmaputra river between Sadiya and Dhubri (891 km) - N.W. No.2 β’The West-Coast Canal in Kerala (205 km) - N.W. No.3 β’Specified stretches of Godavari and Krishna rivers (1078 km) - N.W. No.4 β’Specified stretches of river Brahmani and delta channels of Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers (588 km) - N.W. No.5.
The Indian government has identified several key waterways as National Waterways to encourage their development and utilization for transportation. These waterways include major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra, which could significantly ease the stress on road and rail transport while efficiently moving goods and passengers.
Imagine a busy city road where traffic is always congested. If you have a wide river beside it where boats can freely move, that river can function like a bypass, helping to alleviate traffic. Just like that, proper waterways can lighten the load off roads and railways.
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Apart from these, Indiaβs trade with foreign countries is carried from the ports located along the coast. 95 percent of the countryβs trade volume (68 percent in terms of value) is moved by sea.
Most of Indiaβs trading activities with other nations rely on maritime transport; about 95% of trade volume occurs through sea routes. This statistic illustrates how vital waterways are for international commerce, allowing for the movement of goods across vast distances while keeping costs low.
Think of a sponge in a bucket of water. The sponge can absorb a lot of water (like trade), but only when it's placed in the right spot can that water easily flow out. Similarly, ports need to be strategically located to effectively facilitate trade from the country to the global market.
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With a long coastline of 7,516.6 km, India is dotted with 12 major and 200 notified non-major ports. These major ports handle 95 percent of Indiaβs foreign trade.
India's extensive coastline supports numerous major and intermediate ports, crucial for facilitating trade and commerce. The major ports play a significant role by managing the majority of import and export activities, which are fundamental to the economy.
Think about the role of a few key grocery stores in a neighborhood; they stock a wide variety of goods and are frequented by a larger portion of the community. Major ports function similarly, acting as hubs for goods entering and leaving a country efficiently.
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Key Concepts
Cost-effectiveness: Waterways provide a low-cost method for transporting heavy goods.
Environmental friendliness: Being fuel-efficient, waterways have a lesser carbon footprint.
Connectivity: A network of national waterways ensures better trade and transport connectivity.
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The Ganga river as National Waterway No.1 facilitates extensive trade from Allahabad to Haldia.
Mumbai port, being the largest, plays a leading role in India's export and import activities.
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Water transportβs the cheapest line, for bulky goods it's truly fine.
Imagine a trade ship sailing smoothly on the Ganges, carrying rice and tea to distant lands, showcasing India's richness.
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Review the Definitions for terms.
Term: Waterways
Definition:
Natural channels like rivers and manmade installations used for the transport of goods and people.
Term: National Waterways
Definition:
Waterways declared by the government for transportation to enhance connectivity and trade.
Term: Sea Ports
Definition:
Facilities on the coast where ships dock to load and unload goods, essential for maritime trade.