In view of several boat accidents in the State recently, the Keonjhar district administration has begun a survey of different water bodies where manual and motorboats are run throughout the year.
According to the Odisha Boat Rules 2004, registration of boats and licence of drivers and operators are mandatory. While the BDOs are appointed as the nodal officers for enforcement of the rule and issue licence in their respective blocks, the Additional District Magistrate is empowered as the district nodal officer for the purpose.
A fresh order has been issued to ensure that all licenced boats carry necessary number of life jackets and fire extinguishers on board. Besides, the order stipulates that the drivers and their assistants carry identity cards and licence with them while on duty.
An enforcement team is to inspect the boats plying in different rivers and reservoirs to ensure that they comply with the safety norms before issuing fresh fitness certificate or licence. All registered boats in operation have to display information like the registration number, boat capacity and validity of fitness which should be clearly visible to the passengers.
Although the administration is keen on strict implementation of the Odisha Boat Rules 2004, still many local made wooden boats carry passengers in unsafe conditions in water reservoir of Hadgarh, Baitarani ghats near Rajnagar and Anandpur area. Also old wooden local fishing boats are still in use throughout the district without any registration or fitness licence but the actual number of boats and motor boats operating in the district is unknown to the district administration.