The Orissa High Court on Tuesday sought an affidavit from the State Government on the enforcement of Orissa Boat Rules 2004, for ensuring compliance to safety measures by ferry boats plying on rivers and water channels in the State.
A division bench of Justice I Mohanty and Justice BN Mohapatra directed the Government to file its affidavit giving details on the registration of boats and steps taken for periodical checks of fitness of such boats under the Orissa Boat Rules, 2004, within two weeks.
The Court had, earlier, taken suo motu cognisance of the Hirakud Dam boat tragedy and directed the Government to submit affidavit on the safety measures undertaken by ferry services at the reservoir. After the Government filed its response, the Court sought further information for ferry services across the State.
At least 31 persons were killed after the boat, which was ferrying them in the reservoir, capsized on February 9. Most of them were picnickers and belonged to a local club.