Strict vigil on water transport, says SP

Kakinada: The East Godavari police initiated several measures for safe water transport in view of recent Devipatnam launch accident in which 19 people lost their lives.

According to East Godavari Superintendent of Police Vishal Gunni, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu sanctioned a patrolling vessel for police department to keep constant vigil on the water transport in the entire district.

As part of this vigil, random checks were being organised by the police in coordination with stake holder departments such as revenue and irrigation departments with top priority to passenger safety. Besides this, the licensing system for boats carrying passengers was also streamlined.

On the issue of carrying goods in launches, the SP said that separate trailer should be added for carrying the goods excluding fire and explosive materials.

Besides these measures, steps have been initiated to provide life jackets to all passengers.

Maintenance of passengers list at ferry points to have details of the travelers was also started. Violation of safety norms would be strictly dealt with, the SP warned.

On the issue or fake SMS and phone calls to bank account holders, particularly credit and debit card holders, the SP made it clear that no bank seek information from its account holders either by SMS or through phone calls.

The SP advised the credit and debit card holders not to hand over the cards to new persons as the cards can be tampered by touching it with fingers.

In order to create awareness, a meeting with bank managers would be conducted in a few days to create awareness among bank customers on the fake callers, the SP said.

The police department in East Godavari would extend all the needed assistance to banks in checking the frauds of this kind, Vishal Gunni clarified.