KANNIYAKUMARI: In the aftermath of the boating tragedy in Kerala, the district administration has ramped up its inspection along the water bodies in the district. On Saturday, officials found that some passengers were not wearing safety jackets during a boating trip at Kodayar river. District Collector PN Sridhar has ordered stringent action against boat owners and even cancellation of their licenses if found violating the rules.
Sources said around 12 boats were being operated through a boat jetty in Kodayar river area at Kalial village in Kadayal town panchayat. "Based on the collector's instruction, Vilavancode Tahsildar A Kumaravel inspected the location on Saturday. Some passengers were found ferrying without wearing life jackets. The boats were being operated after a tender was issued by the town panchayat," they added.
The district collector instructed Kadayal Town Panchayat executive officer to monitor the boat operations continuously to ensure that the boats do not carry passengers more than the permitted number and are in good condition.
Poompuhar Shipping Corporation's Kanniyakumari Ferry Service operates three boats--Vivekananda, Pothigai and Guhan-- to Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue, and is used by many tourists from around the world. Speaking to TNIE, Kanniyakumari District Tourism Officer C Satish Kumar said a meeting was held with Poompuhar Shipping Corporation's Kanniyakumari Ferry Service authorities to ensure the safety of the passengers.
"We have stepped up the safety of tourists ferrying in boats. All passengers, including children, are made to wear life jackets. Buoys are also kept in each of the boats. Eight trained personnel accompany the passengers in each boat," said Kanniyakumari Ferry Service sources.