A rag-picker searches for valuables in Yamuna river. (Press Trust of India)
Mr Gadkari said barrages would be constructed to ensure at least five metres water in Yamuna round-the-year to ensure passengers and goods transportation through the waterways.
He added that more barrages would be constructed ahead of Wazirabad so that Delhi does not face water-crisis and if need be talks will be held with the Haryana government.
"We have already given nod to seaplanes. We are allowing hovercrafts. We are constructing water-terminals at both the ends of Yamuna on the pattern of airports," he said.
Unveiling the plans, Mr Gadkari said Delhi Development Authority will beautify the riverbanks while the Delhi Jal Board will prevent effluents from being released in Yamuna.
Officials of the Ministry of Shipping in consultation with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung will integrate the scheme, he said.
Mr Gadkari said his ministry has accorded highest priority to development of waterways in the country which has been "sadly" ignored so far with the country's goods and passenger transport through the mode barely at 0.5 per cent of the total transport in comparison to China where the percentage was 20 per cent.
The stress is being given on waterways from Varanasi to Kolkata and from Delhi to Agra now in addition to the existing five waterways in the country, he said.
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