Illumination, overcrowding and no license: learn how boats sink in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is hell-bent on spending Rs 232.25 crore for AI camera deal to create good road traffic discipline. The same government spends few to zilch when it comes to waterways, even after the mayhem seen in Thekkady and Thettekad.

Many boat services without fitness certificates or licenses in these waters. People are jammed into the boat breaching the general rule of passenger capacity. The rule also mentions no boat servicing after 5 in the evening. Such rules have just resorted to books as boats with glimmering lights are waddling with people late into 8 at night. Even in Bhatratapuzha, many boats go on rides late at night. These people work with impunity for being close associates of regional political powers.

The boat registration, and survey all come under the umbrella of the Ministry of Ports. Every year, a survey should be conducted to check the fitness certificate of the vehicle. Every two years time, the boat should be brought to the dock to check the bottom portion. However, no such measures are adopted and it goes routine to cry at the drawbacks only after such mishaps.

The Ministry of Ports conducted a sudden survey in 12 boats at Alappuzha. Nine among them had no proper documents. Many such boats function with no lifejackets and life boy. Even without the basics, these boats are given certificates by the department. On another note, it is mandatory to write down emergency numbers on the boat for passengers to dial in case of emergency. The rule is seldom followed.

Fishing boats should be never converted to tourist ones. The tourist boat needs a wide bottom unlike the fishing one. The 'Atlantic' in Tanur was once a fishing boat that was illegally converted to a tourist one with the authorities taking no notice.