Identify three important factors on which the development of Inland waterways depends?

(A) Least densely populated region
(B) Continuity in water flow
(C) Navigability-width and depth of the channel
(D) Transport technology in use

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(B), (C), (D) only

The correct answer is Option (3) → (B), (C), (D) only

• Rivers, canals, lakes and coastal areas have been important waterways since time immemorial.
• Boats and steamers are used as means of transport for cargo and passengers.
• The development of inland waterways is dependent on the navigability width and depth of the channel (C), continuity in the water flow (B), and transport technology in use (D).
• Rivers are the only means of transport in dense forests.
• Very heavy cargo like coal, cement, timber and metallic ores can be transported through inland waterways.
• In ancient times, riverways were the main highways of transportation as in the case of India.
• But they lost importance because of competition from railways, lack of water due to diversion for irrigation, and their poor maintenance.