Kannur: If the ambitious plans to develop the waterway from Neeleswaram to Kannur, are any indication, it won’t be long when people can reach every nook and corner of this state in boats. Forming part of the proposed inland navigation route from Kovalam to Neeleswaram, this proposal when completed, would allow people right from the northern end of Neeleswaram to the southern extremity of Kovalam to travel all over Kerala in boats.
The chief minister who inaugurated this stretch also cruised the 9-km waterway from Pazhayangadi in a boat, to asses the navigability of this sector. The canal constructed during the reign of Arakkal Raja, needs to be deepened to fully make use of it for passenger and cargo movement.
The proposed plan to develop the inland waterway from Kovalam to Neeleswaram, is being given top priority and the work on the first phase of the National Waterway from Kollam to Kottappuram has already started. Work would be taken up to develop the 38km stretch to make the waterway from Neeleswaram to Kannur navigable.
The benefits of the waterway such as easier and cheaper cargo movement and accident-free navigation would make it a futuristic option. A total budget outlay of Rs.500 crore is allocated for the project. The chief minister also encouraged the people to handover small stretches of land in their possession to make the waterway a reality.
Kerala should make maximum use of its umpteen water ways and canals to ensure smooth transport of goods and passengers. In addition to being more eco friendly it would take off the traffic load from the roads and rail sectors to a large extent.
