New Delhi:
The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway built in the Central American country named Panama. This canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, thereby establishing direct sea route between these two oceans. The Panama Canal is considered an important and time-saving route for ships traveling by sea, as this canal saves ships from having to travel a long distance around the Antarctica region of South America. Thousands of ships travel from Atlantic to Pacific and from Pacific to Atlantic through the Panama Canal, speeding up trade and saving time in transporting goods.
When was the Panama Canal built?
The idea of the Panama Canal first arose in the 16th century when the Spanish explorer, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, observed that the land of Panama lay between two oceans. However, construction of the canal was not possible at that time due to lack of technology and resources. In the 19th century, French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps planned to build a canal in Panama. De Lesseps was the same engineer who built the Suez Canal. The French government began construction of the Panama Canal in 1881, but the project failed due to several reasons.
When the French project failed, America decided to take over the Panama Canal project. In 1903, Panama gained independence from Colombia and made Panama a new nation. America made an agreement with the Government of Panama, under which America got the right to build and control the canal in Panama.
What were the benefits of the Panama Canal to the world?
The canal has been playing an important role in global trade, economy and geopolitics. Its creation helped in revolutionizing business across the world. The Panama Canal connected the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, eliminating the need for ships to make the 13,000 kilometer long journey around Cape Horn in South America. For example, we can see that the distance from New York to San Francisco reduced from 22,500 kilometers to 9,500 kilometers. Shorter distances saved fuel and time, which reduced shipping costs and lowered the prices of goods.
The Panama Canal not only facilitates trade, but is also considered extremely important for the world economy, strategic balance, and environmental impact.
- The Panama Canal has tourist and cultural significance – it attracts millions of tourists every year. People from all over the world go to see it.
- Is important for regional and international cooperation – The Panama Canal has promoted regional and international cooperation. Many countries and companies are involved in the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the canal.
- Military and strategic advantages – In both world wars, the Panama Canal was used to rapidly transport troops, equipment and supplies from one ocean to the other. It was a strategic base for America during the Cold War.
Why did America sacrifice so much for the Panama Canal?
The construction of the Panama Canal made trade easier globally. However, America benefited the most from this. America had built the Panama Canal for many reasons, which were related to its political, economic and strategic needs. The main objective of the construction of the Panama Canal was to make international trade and military operations easier and faster for America and other countries.
- The Panama Canal provides a direct waterway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
- Another important reason for the Panama Canal for America was strategic security.
- The US wanted to increase its political and military influence in South and Central America through the construction of the Panama Canal.
- In 1903, America helped Panama gain independence from Colombia, and in return Panama gave America the right to build the canal.
- America got huge economic benefits due to increased trade through the Panama Canal. It was not only a trade route for America, but it also gave it a large amount of revenue.
- After the construction of the canal, the United States collected fees from the countries using it, which provided significant income to the US government.
- France attempted to build the Panama Canal, but failed in its efforts. By completing this, America showed its strength to the world.
The Panama Canal is a symbol of increasing America’s industrial and strategic power. It is a symbol of American pride.
– Theodore Roosevelt (former US President)
How is the Panama Canal managed?
The Panama Canal is managed by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), an independent government agency under the Government of Panama. This organization controls all aspects of the operation, maintenance, and development of the canal. The Panama Canal is managed very efficiently, from policy making to maintaining the canal and the commercial transactions associated with it. The management of the canal is divided into several major responsibilities.
- Panama Canal Authority (ACP)- The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is the principal manager and operator of the Panama Canal. It is a government agency that was established by the Government of Panama and is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and financial management of the canal.
- Financial Management and Fee Collection- Economic activities related to the Panama Canal are controlled by the ACP. Whenever a ship passes through the canal, it has to pay a toll tax. These fees are used for the operation and maintenance of the canal.
- Political and diplomatic aspects –In 1999, Panama took control of the canal from the United States, and since then the ACP has operated under the supervision of the Panamanian government. After controlling the canal, Panama also has to take care of its diplomatic relations, because the canal is an international waterway and is used by ships from all over the world.
How is the Panama Canal?
The Panama Canal was built in 1914 and was a major engineering achievement. The canal has a total of 3 main locks (Gatun, Miraflores, and Pedrogal Lock), which help it operate between high and low water levels. Ships are transported from one water level to another through these locks. This process ensures uninterrupted transportation of vehicles in the canal.
- Length and size- The length of the Panama Canal is approximately 80 kilometers (50 mi). The canal passes through various lakes and waterways located in the northern and southern parts of Panama, such as Lake Gatun. These reservoirs have been prepared to help in the operation of the canal.
- Technological advancement and development- The Panama Canal is still managed very efficiently today. In the 21st century, several improvements have been made to further modernize the canal, such as the expansion of the canal’s Third Set of Locks, which allow larger ships (called “Panamax”) to pass through the canal. Allows.
Indians are also sweating in the construction of Panama Canal
Indian laborers also sweated in the construction of the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal was built by the United States from 1904 to 1914, and the process employed workers from many countries, including Indian workers. Workers from India were sent to Panama under the British Empire. These workers became known as “Panama coolies”. They were mainly from the Indian subcontinent, especially from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Indian workers worked hard during the excavation of the Panama Canal, facing difficult conditions. Many workers also died during this period.
What is the challenge of the Panama Canal?
Along with all the benefits, the world is also facing many challenges due to the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal’s strategic location could make it a center of conflict between global powers. China has invested heavily around the canal, which worries the US. Any instability in the canal area could escalate geopolitical conflict. Maintaining the canal’s lock and channel system is costly and complex. Any technical glitch may cause delay in business. Which can cause huge loss.
- Revenue from the Panama Canal is an important source for the government of Panama, but the distribution of this money is often surrounded by controversy and corruption issues.
- The use of rail, airways, and pipelines to transport freight is increasing, which may reduce dependence on the Panama Canal.
- Panama is located in a seismically active area. Earthquakes or other natural disasters may disrupt the canal’s operation.
- The maintenance and expansion of the canal requires huge costs. It is expensive to continuously upgrade the canal and maintain the infrastructure.
