Following the boat mishap at the Hirakud Dam reservoir in which 31 persons drowned on February 9, the Sambalpur district administration is all set to undertake a survey of the existing ferry services along the Mahanadi, including the Hirakud reservoir, from March 1.
The survey work would continue till March 15. “The mechanical division of the Hirakud dam would conduct a survey to identify the waterways of the reservoir,” said district Collector Balwant Singh. Besides, the BDOs of Maneswar, Dhanakauda and Rengali blocks have been entrusted to conduct a survey to identify the waterways across the Mahanadi in their respective areas. During the survey period, the district administration would step up awareness campaign by setting up of camps at several villages along the reservoir and river areas.
“The administration would also take up registration of boats and issue licences to the boat owners after verification of the capacity of the boats and the efficiency of the boatmen by a safety officer from Chandbali”, the Collector informed.
After completion of the entire process, the district administration would submit a report to the State Government, he said, adding that the State Government has planned to provide life jackets to the passengers for their safety. Singh also said the enforcement work is likely to begin from March 16.
