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HaritNauka and River Cruise Tourism Roadmap: Transforming India’s Inland Waterways by 2047

The Government of India, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has embarked on a visionary journey to transform the nation's inland waterways through the HaritNauka guidelines and the River Cruise Tourism Roadmap. These initiatives, launched on January 8, 2024, during the first meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council, are set to revolutionize the way India navigates its rivers and ports by 2047.

HaritNauka Guidelines: Paving the Way for Green Vessels

The HaritNauka guidelines are a cornerstone of India's commitment to sustainable development and green energy. These guidelines envision the complete transition to green inland water vessels by 2047. The primary objectives of the HaritNauka guidelines include:

Development of New-Age Vessels: The guidelines emphasize developing and operationalizing modern vessels with standard designs and infrastructure that prioritize safety and environmental sustainability.

Enabling Ecosystem: Creating a supportive ecosystem for the operation of green vessels is essential. This includes infrastructure development, regulatory support, and financial incentives.

Promoting Green Transport: By encouraging the use of safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly inland waterway-based passenger transport, the HaritNauka guidelines aim to make river travel a preferred mode of transportation.

Indigenous Capacity Building: In line with the "Make in India" policy, the guidelines focus on developing domestic capabilities in shipbuilding, thus fostering economic growth and technological innovation.

Financial Assistance: To support the development of green vessels and the associated ecosystem, the guidelines propose enabling financial assistance and incentives.

River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047: Enhancing Travel and Tourism

Parallel to the HaritNauka guidelines, the River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047 outlines a comprehensive plan to promote river cruise tourism in India. This roadmap focuses on four critical pillars:

Infrastructure Development: Investing in the necessary infrastructure to support river cruises, including docking facilities, passenger amenities, and navigational aids.

Integration: Ensuring seamless integration with other modes of transport and tourism infrastructure to enhance the overall travel experience.

Accessibility: Making river cruises accessible to a broader audience by improving connectivity and offering diverse and inclusive travel options.

Policy Framework: Developing policies that encourage private sector participation, streamline regulatory processes, and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Green Energy at Ports: HaritSagar Guidelines

In addition to the HaritNauka guidelines, the Ministry has also introduced the HaritSagar Green Port Guidelines. Launched in May 2023, these guidelines provide a comprehensive plan for major ports to reduce their carbon footprint. The HaritSagar guidelines emphasize:

• Drawing up action plans to cover all components of the port ecosystem.
• Implementing green interventions to achieve measurable reductions in carbon emissions.
• Setting defined timelines for achieving targeted outcomes in sustainability.

Conclusion

The HaritNauka guidelines and the River Cruise Tourism Roadmap represent a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future for India's inland waterways. By 2047, these initiatives aim to establish a fleet of 100% green inland water vessels, promote river cruise tourism, and reduce the carbon footprint of ports through the HaritSagar guidelines. This comprehensive approach not only supports environmental goals but also fosters economic growth, technological innovation, and enhanced travel experiences for residents and tourists alike.