Thiruvananthapuram: The government is desperate to create better road traffic rules by spending Rs 232.25 crore on AI camera deals. The same government has spent little on waterways, even after the unrest seen in Thekkady and Tettekad.
Many boat services without fitness certificates or licenses in these waters. The rules also state that the boat will not be serviced after 5pm. Such rules have only relied on books, as boats with twinkling lights totter with people late into the night. These people work with impunity because of their close ties to local political forces.
All vessel registration and surveys are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Ports. Annually, a survey must be conducted to verify the vehicle’s certificate of conformity. Every two years the boat should be brought to the dock and the bottom section checked. However, no such measures have been taken, and it is common to cry over shortcomings only after such accidents.
The Ports Ministry has investigated 12 vessels in Alleppey. Nine of them he did not have the proper papers. Many such boats function without life jackets or lifebuoys. Even without the basics, these boats are given a certificate by the department. On another note, it is compulsory to write down an emergency number on the boat for passengers to dial in case of emergency. Rules are seldom followed.
Do not convert fishing boats into tourist boats. Unlike fishing boats, sightseeing boats require a wide bottom. Tanur’s ‘Atlantic’ was once a fishing boat, but has been illegally converted into a tourist boat without the authorities paying any attention.
