The Inland Waterways Authority of India’s (IWAI) Intermodal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat in Bihar has achieved a significant milestone by receiving a five-star SVAGRIHA rating from the GRIHA Council. This accolade highlights the terminal’s commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.
The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP)
IMT Kalughat is part of the World Bank-funded Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) aimed at augmenting the capacity of National Waterway 1 (NW 1) – River Ganga.
- Recognition Received: Shri Arvind Kumar, Director of JMVP, received the award along with Shri Manish Tiwari, Specialist in Environmental Impact Assessment, and Shri J J Patel, Project Manager of Sanjay Construction Company.
About SVAGRIHA Rating
SVAGRIHA stands for Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA, which is a system for certifying green buildings and promoting sustainability.
- Institutional Backing: Jointly developed by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
- Focus Areas: Recognizes environmentally sustainable practices in construction and operations.
IMT Kalughat received this five-star rating due to the use of recyclable materials like:
- Fibre
- Recyclable glasses
- Eco-friendly paint
- Sanitary fixtures
Sustainable Design and Features
The IMT was built adhering to strict energy and waste management criteria specified by the GRIHA Council. The terminal’s design integrates:
- Sustainable Site Planning: Optimized layout for minimal environmental impact.
- Green Building Materials: Use of sustainable and recyclable construction materials.
- Energy Optimization: Reliance on renewable energy during operations.
- Water Management: Includes a sewage treatment plant for water recycling.
- Waste Management: Utilization of construction and demolition waste during building.
Key Features of IMT Kalughat
- Cost: Built at a cost of ₹82.48 crore.
- Capacity: Handles 77,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually.
- Strategic Importance: Facilitates cargo transportation for North Bihar and provides EXIM (Export-Import) connectivity to Nepal.
Alignment with National Vision
The terminal aligns with the “Viksit Bharat” vision under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. It showcases IWAI’s commitment to:
- Climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Inclusive economic growth through enhanced inland water transport systems.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the primary objective of the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP)?
A. Urban Development
B. Capacity augmentation of National Waterway 1
C. Renewable Energy Generation
D. Road Infrastructure Expansion
Answer: B. Capacity augmentation of National Waterway 1
2. What does SVAGRIHA stand for?
A. Simple Vast Affordable GRIHA
B. Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA
C. Sustainable Viable Affordable GRIHA
D. Safe Versatile Affordable GRIHA
Answer: B. Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA
3. Which material was NOT specifically mentioned as used in the construction of IMT Kalughat?
A. Recyclable glasses
B. Fibre
C. Concrete bricks
D. Eco-friendly paint
Answer: C. Concrete bricks
4. How much cargo capacity does the IMT Kalughat handle annually?
A. 50,000 TEU
B. 77,000 TEU
C. 1,00,000 TEU
D. 1,50,000 TEU
Answer: B. 77,000 TEU
5. What is the total construction cost of IMT Kalughat?
A. ₹50 crore
B. ₹75 crore
C. ₹82.48 crore
D. ₹100 crore
Answer: C. ₹82.48 crore
6. Which country benefits from IMT Kalughat’s EXIM connectivity?
A. Bhutan
B. Bangladesh
C. Nepal
D. Sri Lanka
Answer: C. Nepal