Launch services lifeline of Papikondalu tourism
It is not an exaggeration that the steady tourist flow to the picturesque Papikondalu mainly depends on launch services on River Godavari. Launch is a major revenue earner for several operators as it is the chief mode of transport to reach the popular tourist destination. Launch services generate considerable employment for locals.
Crew spend most of their time afloat
Bhadrachalam: It is not an exaggeration that the steady tourist flow to the picturesque Papikondalu mainly depends on launch services on River Godavari. Launch is a major revenue earner for several operators as it is the chief mode of transport to reach the popular tourist destination. Launch services generate considerable employment for locals.
A five-member crew is needed to operate a launch. The crew comprises a driver, an assistant driver, a sarang, an assistant to handle rudder and a cook. The driver and the sarang are the chief navigators. The driver in the cabin runs the launch as per the signals given by sarang who closely observes everything during the river journey. Calling bell has replaced the traditional bell as a mode of communication between the sarang and the driver during operation of a launch. The driver increases or decreases the speed of the launch based on the number of times the calling bell is pressed by the sarang.
About 90 per cent of launch drivers and sarangs hail from Dowleswaram. It is a hereditary occupation for many. The driver and the sarang must have five years experience to run the launch effectively. A lot of dedication is needed to attain perfection in the job. The maximum speed of a launch is 35 kmph. While moving upstream, it travels at a speed of 10 kmph only. The driver needs to be more careful while operating a launch as it cannot be brought to a sudden halt in the river in case of an emergency as it does not have a braking system.
The hereditary crew members spend most part of their life in the launch itself. The launch crew who are moderately paid, get five holidays a month. One needs to apply at the office of Chief Irrigation Engineer to get a launch driving licence. The PWD executive engineer at Dowleswaram issues sarang licences. The driver and the sarang need to renew their licences every three years. Earlier, there was no minimum educational qualification for issuance of a driving licence. Now, one needs to have a minimum educational qualification of 10th class to get it.
The price of a launch ranges from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1 crore depending on its technical specifications and other facilities. The Irrigation Department issues a fitness certificate every year for operation of a launch on Godavari river. The peak tourist season is from September to February. With the increase in tourist flow to Papikondalu in recent years, launch operators of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are literally minting money during the season. The crew members are also much in demand with the increase in operation of launch services to Papikondalu.
Speaking to The Hans India, K Satyanarayana, a launch driver, said ``I have been continuing in the hereditary occupation for the past four decades. My father and grandfather were also drivers. All our onboard needs, including food, will be looked after by the launch owner.’’G Srinivas, a sarang, said “I am in the profession from my childhood. My father and forefathers were sarangs. Though I have been continuing in the hereditary profession due to lack of any other alternative, it gives me immense satisfaction”.
By PV Satyanarayana
