Hi check on these links

Reliable river transportation during the wide variety of flow conditions in most climates is a challenge, as river flows can vary over several orders of magnitude, and river channels are seldom static in location, depth, debris, etc.  Some would be more reliable then others.  Many early peoples built canals adjacent to rivers so gradient, water flow and traffic could be better controlled.  Techniques exist such as some river jet boats with ability to work in shallow water, and ascend and descend rapids, moderate to fairly high flows with experienced navigation.  Water can be a swift killer to the novice navigator or boater, who misread the conditions.  Some waters are probably safer than others, and channel modifications may be needed, but with cautions if changing river mechanics ss to channel stability.

The State of Kerala in India, is one of the coastal States having a coast line of about 550 km. There are backwater bodies and canals. Some of these canals are running parallel to coast line and is believed to be built for transporting cargo from one place to another during the British period. One famous canal connecting south and north Kerala is called "Cannoly Canal", named after Col. Cannolly of British administration, when India was ruled by Brtishers. In some Districts of Kerala, water transport is being practiced using motorised boats for public transport. There are advantages and disadvantages of the water transport.

Advantages of water transport is that it is cheep; helps in de-congestion of road transport; and in some cases it is faster also.

Disadvantages are: pollution to water body due to oil spillage; improper sanitation facility and disposal of solid waste into the water body; accidents due to improper maintenance of boats or ill-trained drivers; etc.

Now a days EIA is being conducted to understand the impact of this water transport on the water body and the surroundings.

Thank you my dear for the answer

dear  Kenneth F. G. Masuki Thank you for these wonderful scientific resources. I will review them and hope to benefit from them.

dear William F. Hansen Thank you for the answer.

dear N B Narasimha Prasad Thank you for the answer.