Correct option is C
Ans. (c) Brahmaputra
Sol. The Brahmaputra River was declared as National Waterway-2 (NW-2) in 1988 under the National Waterways Act, 1982. The designated stretch of NW-2 extends from Dhubri to Sadiya in the state of Assam, covering a length of 891 km. This waterway is crucial for cargo transport, trade, and connectivity in the northeastern region of India. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) manages its development and maintenance for commercial navigation.
Information Booster:
- Brahmaputra River originates from the Tibetan Plateau as the Yarlung Tsangpo River and flows through India and Bangladesh before merging into the Bay of Bengal.
- National Waterway-2 (NW-2) was declared in 1988, covering the stretch from Dhubri to Sadiya (Assam).
- This waterway supports cargo transport, passenger movement, and trade activities in northeastern India.
- The IWAI is responsible for maintaining navigability by dredging and installing navigation aids.
- Brahmaputra's seasonal flow variations impact navigability, requiring dredging and infrastructure development.
- Major ports along NW-2 include Dhubri, Jogighopa, Pandu, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh.
- The Arth Ganga Project and Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) aim to enhance inland water transport and regional connectivity.
Additional Information:
- Krishna (a) – The Krishna River is not classified as a National Waterway. It primarily supports irrigation and hydroelectric projects.
- Narmada (b) – The Narmada River is also not designated as a National Waterway but is significant for dams, irrigation, and power generation.
- Ganga (d) – The Ganga River is National Waterway-1 (NW-1), covering a stretch of 1,620 km from Haldia (West Bengal) to Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) for inland navigation.