Kohima, Jan 24: Nagaland minister KG Kenye has welcomed the Central government’s declaration of the Tizu–Zungki river as National Waterway-101, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening inland water transport and regional connectivity.

Speaking at the 3rd Inland Waterways Development Council meeting in Kochi, Kerala, Kenye thanked the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Inland Waterways Authority of India for issuing the notification. He said the waterway’s strategic location near the India–Myanmar border could play an important role in boosting trade and connectivity with Southeast Asian countries, and urged the authority to ensure timely and effective implementation of the project.

The power and parliamentary affairs minister said cost-effective inland waterways could help improve links between Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Nagaland, while supporting local industries, inter-state trade, and exports. As chairperson of the Nagaland Inland Waterways Board, he also proposed extending inland waterways from Lakhimpur in Assam to Nagaland through the Barak river.

Kenye submitted a formal representation to the Union minister seeking comprehensive development of waterbodies in Nagaland. He was accompanied at the meeting by commissioner and secretary (transport) Robert Longchari and deputy general manager Thomas Y. Kiutsangmong of Nagaland State Transport.