Comments by Manthan on the Integrated Coal Logistics Plan 2023 of Ministry of Coal

On 23.05.2023, the Ministry of Coal released the draft of the Integrated Coal Logistics Plan 2023 on their website for comments from the stakeholders.The Draft Plan directs the usage of inland waterways -specifically National Waterways NW-5 and NW-64 in Odisha and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route as one of the  modes for coal transport to be scoped for use in future. Since, Manthan has been closely monitoring the developments of inland waterways in the countries for the past many years, Manthan has compiled issues of concerns with regards to safety risks, adverse environmental, ecological and social impacts due to such projects. Based on this, Manthan has submitted a set of suggestions/recommendations on the Draft Plan, with regards the utilizing the inland waterways for coal transportation.