Licence, fitness certificate must for boat operators

Vijayawada: Finally, the government has taken measures to check illegal boating and ferrying in rivers and other places in the district. As per the latest instructions issued by the state government, all boats must possess licence and it must be displayed on the boat or ferry. Besides, fitness certificate is also must for the boats.

After the death of 22 tourists in a boat accident near Pavitra Sangamam in Krishna river on November 12, the state government had faced severe criticism for the death of innocent people, including women and children, in the mishap.

After holding discussions, the government had decided to put the responsibility of supervising the rivers and waterways on the water resources department and the revenue department. The two departments with the support of fisheries, tourism, fire and police will monitor the rivers and check illegal boating and ferrying in Krishna district.

A senior revenue department officer said the boats must have route permit and licence to operate in rivers or canals. Boating and ferrying is common in Krishna river as the river connects Krishna and Guntur districts. Hundreds of boats and ferries are being operated in the downstream of Nagarjunasagar.

Ferrying is also very common upstream of Pulichintala project connecting Jaggaiahpet mandal in Krishna district and Achampeta mandal and other mandals in Guntur district. Similarly, a large number of people in Diviseema region depend upon boats for travelling between Krishna and Guntur districts.

After the tragic death of 22 tourists, District Collector B Lakshmikantham had asked the district officials to collect the details of all boats and ferries being operated in the district and between Krishna and Guntur districts. Officials from water resources, revenue, police and tourism departments will collect details and submit a report to the Collector.

Till now, no department had collected fitness certificate from the boat operators on the condition of boats. Now, the officials of police, fire, fisheries, revenue and tourism departments will form committees at mandal-level and keep a vigil on the condition of the boats and safety measures taken by the boat operators to save the lives of boat passengers in case of accidents.

As per the new guidelines issued by the government, the boat operator must arrange life jackets, life-saving equipment without fail. Similarly, control rooms will be set up in the hazardous areas, where accidents take place.

In Vijayawada, Control Rooms will be arranged near Durga Ghat, Punnami Ghat and Pavitra Sangamam to keep a close watch on the boats. More than 200 boats, steamers, speed boats, ferries are being operated in the river. On Sundays and other holidays, more than 2,000 people enjoy the boat ride in Krishna river and they board the boats at Berm Park, Durga Ghat, Pavitra Sangamam and at the Bhavani Island.

By MD AMEEN