Jaladhara Scheme To Prevent Ferry Accidents In West Bengal

Jaladhara Scheme West Bengal | WB Egiye Bangla Scheme | Jaladhara Prakalpa for Financial Assistance to replace Bhutbhuti

Waterways are extremely vital for trade. Unfortunately, our state’s road transportation system is in poor condition. Numerous diseases currently ravage the canal transport system due to their collective failure to plan for the use of outdated equipment.

Mamata Banerjee, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, expects this project to significantly improve the canal transportation system.

Name of the Scheme	WB Jaladhara Scheme
Launched By	Chief Minister of West Bengal
Department	West Bengal Transport Department
Purpose	Providing Financial Assistance to Convert Semi-mechanised Boats to Mechanised Ones
Financial Assistance	Up to 1 Lakh
Official Website	https://transport.wb.gov.in/

The Governor is glad to devise and launch a “scheme,” known as “JALADHARA,” to provide financial support for the replacement or conversion of current ‘BHUTBHUTIs by safe and secure mechanically powered boats in the interest of public safety. In this article, you will get all the details regarding the Jaladhara Scheme. So, stick to the end.

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West Bengal Jaladhara Scheme

The government of Bengal has implemented the Jaladhara initiative, which offers financial support to convert semi-mechanized boats to fully mechanized ones to prevent accidents. To increase the security of jetties throughout the state, standard operating procedures (SOP) would be adhered to concurrently.

“JALADHARA” for providing financial support for the replacement or conversion of existing ‘BHUTBHUTI’s to safe and secure mechanically powered boats in the interest of public safety and the promotion of self-employment opportunities.

Under the Jalodhara initiative, the state government will provide around 30% of the total cost of bringing in mechanized boats instead of semi-mechanized ones. The highest amount would be Rs. 1 lakh. One might apply to the directors of Inland Waterways, and a separate cell for the Jalodhara plan would be established in the Transport Bhawan.

To evaluate the immediate and long-term steps required to upgrade the jetties, a technical committee has also been established. There are currently about 1,000 permanently authorized jetties throughout the state. To upgrade 68 jetties, steps have already made.

Objectives of the Scheme

Enhancing a state’s transportation infrastructure is essential for its economic growth. The state government started this program to promote the use of water transportation with this objective in mind. Furthermore, 131 main and 121 semi-major jetties will undergo an urgent redesign based on the SOP model.

Reports of numerous incidents involving water transportation are common these days. These mishaps are primarily the result of poor planning, the use of antiquated technology, and inadequate training. This project was started by Mamata Banerjee Mahashya, the Honourable Prime Minister of West Bengal, to address these issues.

Benefits of the Jaladhara Scheme

Enhancing the safety of water transportation.
Increasing the use of boats with upgraded technology by offering subsidies.
Restoration of every ferry’s infrastructure, which will ensure the safety of waterway transportation.
The increased use of rivers for trade and commerce is the goal for which the basis of this project has started.
The replacement of traditional boats on waterways by safer, mechanically propelled vessels.

Eligibility Criteria for Applying the Scheme

“Operator” refers to any individual who, as defined by Section 5 of The Bengal Ferries Act, 1885, operates a public ferry or who owns an existing BHUTBHUTI that is currently in operation to provide commercial ferry services on any river in the State, and who has received the appropriate certification from the Block Development Officer of the relevant Block, the Secretary of Municipal Corporation, the Executive Officer of the Municipality/Notified Area Authority, or any other entity that may be in charge of overseeing such ferry service.

Required Documents

The eligible beneficiary needs the following documents to apply to the scheme.

Domicile certificate as residence proof
Aadhaar card
Passport size photograph

How to Apply for the West Bengal Jaladhara Scheme?

The interested beneficiary can apply for the Jaladhara Scheme by submitting an offline application form.

Download the application form.
Then, take a printout of every PDF file and fill it up carefully.
Attach all the required documents.
Submit them to the office of the Joint Director of Employment Kolkata District in the case of the Kolkata municipal corporation area or to the respective sub-divisional officer (SDO).
The vehicle would registered within one month of receiving the permit and subsidy offer letter from the scheme.

Features of the Scheme

Aside from project development, there has been a focus on increasing drinking water sources. Furthermore, as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission project, 55 litres of water for each person would be provided daily.
Soumen Mohapatra, Public Health Technical Minister, stated that drinking water will be given to every rural residence, although the target date is 2024.
Jaldhara Project: Extending financial support for the replacement or conversion of existing ‘ghost boats’ to safe and secure mechanically propelled boats for the benefit of public safety.
Making water transportation more appealing to everyday people.