Cruise tourism on Tuirial dam should be priority: Min

Aizawl: Mizoram transport minister Vanlalhlana on Friday said priority should be given to upgrading Tuirial dam for river cruise tourism and other purposes, an official statement said. The dam was constructed to generate 40-megawatt hydro-electric power, reports HC Vanlalruata.

Addressing the meeting of 2nd Inland Waterway Development Council in Kaziranga, Vanlalhlana said the dam has a good potential to be a vital waterway for the movement of goods and passengers for its surrounding population. Moreover, the adjoining areas can be developed as a hub for ecotourism. In order to assess its true potential, a detailed preliminary survey of the Dam and its ecosystem will be needed. A survey would help assess the feasibility of the project and the scope of various developmental activities, he added.

Vanlalhlana said Mizoram's hilly terrain has long hindered the smooth movement of goods and passengers, limiting economic growth.

"Though only a few rivers in our state offer significant potential, it is seen that inland water transport can provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution to these challenges," Vanlalhlana said.