Read the passage below carefully:
"To reduce long-distance freight logistics costs and lower carbon emissions from heavy transport, the ministry of shipping recently announced a major initiative to divert bulk cargo transport from national highways to inland waterways. Proponents argue that barge-based river navigation uses significantly less fuel per ton-kilometer than diesel trucks, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for moving coal, cement, and foodgrains. However, critics point out that most major rivers in the region experience seasonal flow variations, suffering from low water levels during non-monsoon months. To ensure year-round navigable depth for commercial vessels, the government plans extensive capital dredging and construction of permanent riverbank embankments along primary river stretches. Environmental scientists warn that continuous dredging alters natural riverbed morphology, disrupts aquatic biodiversity, and destroys fish breeding grounds. Nevertheless, policymakers maintain that economic gains from reduced freight costs and lower vehicular pollution will far outweigh localized ecological disturbances along the river corridors."
Statement: The argument that economic gains from inland waterway freight will outweigh localized ecological disturbances necessarily assumes that the capital and maintenance expenses of continuous river dredging will not exceed the net freight cost savings generated by barge transport.
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