At a major Cabinet rejig yesterday, former Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal has been allocated Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ministry of AYUSH. He assumes charge at a time when cruise tourism and seaplane services which had created a major hype in the country have been on complete halt with the pandemic-induced restrictions. There were ambitious plans to explore India’s waterbodies for last mile connectivity as well water tourism tourism with alternative modes of transport.