New Delhi: A feasibility study has been conducted for the development of river Tamiraparani (NW-99) in Tamil Nadu as National Waterway -99. The details of the study are as follows
- The length of Tamiraparaniriver which has been declared as NW-99 is 64 km from SulochanaMudalir bridge, Tirunelveli to confluence with Bay of Bengal near Punnaikayal.
- The tidal influence was observed up to 9.23 km towards the river from Bay of Bengal.
- The nearest Port is Tuticorin (about 15 km away). As per available data, the tidal range is about 0.74 m above MSL.
- There are six check dams namely, Latchumipuram Check Dam, Kurangini Check Dam, Srivaiguntam Check Dam, Pakkappati Dam, Kaliyuvar Dam and one Check Dam in the present study stretch. Navigational lock was not available in any of the check dams in the above stretch.
- Twelve existing road bridges and one under construction bridge, and three Pipeline Bridge cross Tamiraparani river are in this stretch.
- The vertical and horizontal clearance of the existing bridges varies from 2 m to 7.75 m and from 5.25 m to 19 m above (HFL) respectively.
- Five HT lines, four HC lines and eight electric lines cross Tamiraparani River are in this stretch.
Cargo
Mouth of the river is close to the V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) port and river has substantial share of minerals products that are mostly exported to Maldives using small vessels. Cargo potential exists for transport of minerals & boulders which are minor & fragmented segment. A large volume of stones, boulders, etc. could be transported using River Sea Class ships in the Tamiraparani River to VOC Port. Presently, about 1 MT of these commodities are transported to VOC port using road route to theVOC port.
Ferry services
There are no passenger ferry services available on NW-99 but ferry servicemay be developed near river mouth.
Tourism
As there are a number of towns around the river, Tourism and Ro-Ro facilities may be developed. The significant places are Tuticorin City, Hare Island, Roche Park, Church of Lady of Snow,Tiruchendur temple, KulasekarapattinamMutharamman Temple andKanthimathi-Nellaiappar Temples are located with the proximity of Tamarapaniriver.
There are three industrial areas each in Tuticorin and Tiruneveli, which are in 50 km range from river. SIDCO Pettai Industrial area is the largest one. There are 71 units operating in the industrial estate which is at a distance of 6 km from Tamaraparani River.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Shipping Shri Mansukh L. Mandavia in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
