(a) whether the Government has purchased ‘Dredger Ships’ for desilting the rivers recently;
(b) if so, the total number of ‘Dredger Ships’ purchased;
(c) the total amount spent on the purchase of these ships;
(d) the total number of ‘Dredger Ships’ with the Government presently;
(e) whether these ‘Dredger Ships’ are also used for the protection of cargo ships; and
(f) if so, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) to (c) : The Government is not directly involved in dredging operations, therefore, the Government
has not purchased any dredgers. However, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), an autonomous body under
the administrative control of the Government had purchased three dredgers in 2003-04 at a total cost of Rs.16.55 crores.
(d) At present, IWAI and Kolkata Port Trust own a total of 16 dredgers for dredging in the rivers.
Besides, Dredging Corporation of India, a Public Sector Undertaking, owns 12 Dredger Ships which are mostly used
for dredging in the navigation channels of Ports.
(e) No, Sir.
(f) Does not arise.