BHUBANESWAR: Operation of passenger boats in Chilika will not be permitted until their design and engines are certified by a Naval architect. A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting by the Khurda district administration and Chilika Development Authority on Monday.
The Odisha Boat Rules, 2004 mandate that every passenger boat design is certified by a Naval architect but the norm remained unimplemented. The tragic boat capsize that claimed six lives sprung the authorities to clamp the rule.
The CDA has assured the administration of Khurda and Puri that it would facilitate Naval architects from IITs of Khargrpur and Chennai. However, until that time, boats will not be allowed to ply in a measure to prevent mishaps.
There are 1,108 passenger boats registered with Directorate of Inland Water Transport under the Department of Commerce and Transport. Of them, 308 ply in Khurda district while the rest operate in Puri district jurisdiction.
In absence of certification, boats of all dimensions continue to ply which is a major reason for frequent mishaps in the 100 sq km brackish water lagoon. For ferrying passengers, the ideal width-length ratio should not exceed 1:9 but most boats have a dimensional ratio of 1:12.
Boats of such sizes are vulnerable to accidents when faced with strong wind and waves because these vessels lose balance. However, for carrying goods, such boats are suitable.
Another problem with the boats is the engine they use. Most boats are not fitted with brakes or back gear which prevent them from slowing down or reversing in the event of an approaching wave or gusty wind. The resultant impact of a moving boat hitting against a wave or strong wind can be disastrous which is what happened on Saturday.
Sources said, the administration has requested CDA to join the local police in enforcement of boat owners carrying safety equipment like life jackets and buoys at the jetties.
While the strong move may mar tourist service, the administration is unlikely to relent. “There are boats with appropriate deign and engines available in the market which the owners can purchase and replace with the existing ones. We will not jeopardise the lives of thousands of tourists for 1000-odd boat owners,” said a senior official.