Rajasthan government mulls inland port in Jalore

JAIPUR: The state government is exploring ways to develop an artificial inland port in Jalore by bringing in Arabian Sea water into Rajasthan through Gujarat. If implemented, Rajasthan will become accessible by water transport and will be able to shed the tag of a landlocked state.

For the pre-feasibility study of the project, the state water resources department (SWRD) has already issued an administrative and technical (A&T) approval. As per an understanding between the Centre and the state, the ministry of shipping, road transport and highways would assist in commissioning of the study.

Planning though is in the initial phase but officials claim that the project is feasible. "We will have to build a canal of about 250-300 km between the Rann of Kutch and Sanchore area in Jalore so as to enable containers to navigate easily. It is an ambitious project, but looks possible," said an official of the SWRD.

The navigation channel would be at least 300 metre wide and about 25 metre deep. It would start from the tip of Lakhpat at Kori Creek in Arabian Sea, run through the Rann of Kutch and join Sanchore, 135 km from district headquarters of Jalore.

"The A&T was approved on April 24, 2015, after an examination of the proposal presented by Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS), a GoI undertaking. The cost for the study is estimated to be Rs 1.19 crore. Union minister Nitin Gadkari is quite vocal about developing new ports connecting landlocked states with nearest sea," added an official of the department.

Located at the northern tip of the Rann of Kutch, Sanchore is at a distance of about 300 km from the sea coast. A low-lying area with large stretches of barren land, the region is sparsely populated.

Earlier, the state directorate of petroleum had conducted a similar study. In the study, the satellite images showed that spread of Arabian Sea was up to Jalore district. Geological studies have also suggested that there are no solid rocks and it is largely a marshy land.

Retired naval officer Rear Admiral S Kulshrestha has done an extensive research on the project. He claims that serious efforts are needed by the government agencies so that long overdue development of the barren Rann of Kutch and Thar Desert regions of Rajasthan can be undertaken.

"There are strong evidences that it can be pursued. Few things that the government has to see are that how far it would be from the international border. Since navigational channel would run parallel to the border with Pakistan within the Indian territory, it would provide an efficient patrolling medium for the paramilitary forces," said Kulshrestha.

If implemented, the canal would open another way for transportation to landlocked Rajasthan. Transportation through waterways is far more cost-effective compared to road and rail transport. It will also open up opportunities in the Thar Desert region which is bereft of investments so far.