The northern Indian state of Rajasthan recently saw several cases of Zika virus disease in its capital, Jaipur. This comes as a reminder that global health continues to be threatened by this mosquito-borne flavivirus. Meanwhile, in the country’s development sector, the Ghagra River is set to undergo transformation into a national waterway. The Sagarmala project also marks another significant shift in infrastructure development. In addition, the Andaman and Nicobar Command recently celebrated its 18th Raising Day, signifying its pivotal role in the country’s defense.
Zika Virus Disease Cases in Rajasthan
The Zika virus, first identified in Uganda in monkeys in 1947, emerged again in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This network, originally established to monitor yellow fever, found the disease in humans in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania in 1952.
Cases of Zika can be attributed to several transmission methods beyond mosquito bites. These include mother-to-fetus transfer during pregnancy, sexual contact, blood transfusion, and organ transplantation.
Development of Ghagra River as National Waterway
Part of the Sagarmala Programme of the Ministry of Shipping, the development of the Ghagra River into National Waterway-40 (NW-40) is scheduled to commence from Basti, Uttar Pradesh. The declaration of the stretch from Manjhighat at the Ganga-Ghaghra river confluence to Faizabad/Ayodhya along the Ghagra River as NW-40 occurred in 2016.
The classification of the upcoming waterway is class-III, meaning it can accommodate vessels up to 1000 ton capacity. Beyond transporting cargo and passengers, the NW-40 is expected to enhance connectivity to tourist and pilgrimage locations along the Ghaghra and Ganga rivers.
Ghaghra River’s Importance
Ghaghra is the Ganges’ largest tributary by volume and trails only the Yamuna in length. Its strategic position enhances the importance of its development into a national waterway.
The Sagarmala Project
The Sagarmala project represents an all-encompassing approach to port infrastructure development along India’s extensive 7,500-km coastline. Modernization, mechanization, and computerization form the core of this initiative. By enhancing connectivity through rail/road linkages with ports and developing connections with new regions, authorities aim to increase cargo traffic three-fold. The project also aims to improve multi-modal connectivity, including rail, inland water, coastal, and road services.
Andaman and Nicobar Command
The Andaman and Nicobar Command, the country’s only joint tri-services operational command, recently celebrated its 18th Raising Day. Established in 2001, the command plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s strategic interests in the Andaman and Nicobar region. The Command regularly conducts exercises with neighboring countries in line with India’s Act East Policy.
