Lok Sabha Question No. 870 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Regulatory Framework for Utilization of Waterways
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Konda Vishweshwar Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTIONNO. 870 ANSWERED ON 29.11.2024

## REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR UTILIZATION OF WATERWAYS

870.SHRI KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

(a) the details of the regulatory framework governing the utilization of waterways for both commercial and recreational boating activities across the country;

(b)  the  roles  and responsibilities  of  various  agencies  and authorities in  overseeing and  regulating  waterways,  including  the  management  of  boat  traffic,  waterway infrastructure and compliance with environmental standards;

(c) the  licensing and approval process for operators wishing to conduct boating or water  transport  services,  with  emphasis  on  the  criteria,  duration,  and  renewal processes associated with such licenses;

(d) the details of the safety and operational standards for these activities, including safety protocols,  training  requirements for operators and guidelines for emergency preparedness that aim to protect passengers, operators and the environment; and

(e)  the  details  of  manufacturing  and  technical  standards  for  boats  manufacturing, covering the required certifications,  quality checks and durability assessments that boat manufactures must meet to ensure safety and sustainable operations?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a)The  regulatory  framework  governing  the  utilization  of  waterways  and  inland vessels related activities across the country are the Inland Waterways Authority of India  Act,  1985  (IWAI  Act,  1985)  and  regulations  framed  therein;  and  the  Inland Vessels Act, 2021 & rules framed thereunder.Further, the National Waterways Act, 2016 covers the declaration of 111 rivers and river stretches as National Waterways. The Inland Vessels Act, 2021 (IV Act, 2021) establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework that governs both commercial and recreational boating activities across India.  It  delineates  standards  for  vessel  classification,  construction,  safety,  and environmental compliance. The IV Act, 2021, along with the Rules made thereunder, ensures  uniform  regulation  through  zoning  of  waterways,  mandatory  registration, and certification processes, promoting safe and sustainable use of Inland Waterways for diverse boating purposes.

(b)        The roles and responsibilities of various authorities have been framed under IWAI  Act,  1985  and  regulations  framed  therein  and  IV  Act,  2021&  rules  framed thereunder  for  management  of  National  Waterways  and  inland  waters  &  vessel related  issues  respectively.  Implementation  authority  under  IV  Act,  2021  is  the respective  State  Government  and  under  IWAI  Act,  1985  is  Inland  Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). In addition, State Pollution Control and Port authorities are also responsible for pollution control and traffic management of vessels in respective States.

(c)The licensing and approval process for operators are covered under IV Act, 2021 along with Rules thereunder. For vessels, the licencing authority is the Designated Authority of the respective States as per IV Act, 2021 and rules framed thereunder. National Institute of Water Sports under Ministry of Tourism is authorised for training and certification of crew and operators for water sports.

(d)          For  inland  vessels and  crew, the standards  have been laid down in IV Act, 2021 & rules framed thereunder. In addition, DG Shipping Guidelines/Instructions for Construction, Survey, Certification and Operation of Large Pleasure Crafts - 2020 are also applicable depending on the length of the vessel and area of operation. For water  sports,  boat  safety  and  operational  standards  including  safety  protocols, training requirements for operators, National Institute of Water Sports under Ministry of Tourism conducts the training of crew and operators and issues the license.

(e)      The  details  of  provisions  for  manufacturing  and  technical  standards  for  boat manufacturing,  covering the  required  certifications,  quality  checks,  and  durability assessments that boat manufactures must meet to ensure safety  and sustainable operations, are stipulated in IV Act, 2021& rules framed thereunder.

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