BHADRAK: The Port and Inland Water Transport (PIWT) centre at Chandbali in Bhadrak district has failed to fulfill its objective. Though set up with an aim to ferry people and goods through waterways, PIWT is virtually lying defunct for the last couple of years.
The centre, established in 1979 along with Astarang in Puri district, is now out of reach of the people. ‘‘People and tourists from the northern region of the State depend on the transportation service provided by the centre to reach Bhitarkanika, Akhandalmani Shiva temple at Aradi, Dhamra area, Rajnagar and other nearby areas. In the absence of motorboat services people are exploited by the private players,’’ pointed out Ratikanta Das, a local resident.
Locals allege that of the eight motorboats that used to ferry people and goods, four are non-operational and two are damaged while another two are now used to ferry sand from the river.
Machineries of the boats worth lakhs are rotting in the centre even as hundreds of people still depend on motorboats to reach their destination.
‘‘At least 600 persons use the motorboat services daily. Earlier, only four boats were non-operational but due to the callous attitude of the employees of PIWT people opted for private motorboats despite exorbitant fares to escape the pathetic condition of the boats and odd timings,’’ said Mahendra Dalei, a local leader.
The centre is managed by 29 employees led by an Assistant Director. Though the employees are paid regular salary, they often remain truant. Our repeated demands are falling on deaf ears,’’ said Mahendra Dalei, a local leader.
Bhadrak Collector Krushan Chandra Patra promised to look into the matter.
‘‘I would definitely intervene and write to the Transport and Commerce Department to make the centre operational. Besides boosting tourism, resumption of services will also be helpful to people living on either side of the rivers,’’ he said.