Admin launches crackdown on illegal boat operations

Patna: The Patna district administration has launched a crackdown on unsafe boat operations, ordering a complete ban on unregistered vessels, overloaded boats and nighttime operations on the Ganga river and other local rivers. The decision follows directives from Thiyagarajan S M, district magistrate (DM), Patna, SSP, Kartikeya K Sharma, and a specific prohibitory order issued by Danapur sub-divisional magistrate Aniruddh Pandey, which remains in effect until the night of June 14.The immediate administrative response was triggered by two recent boat capsizes and drowning incidents in the Ganga river over the last four days, which resulted in six deaths and left a few others missing, according to data shared by the Patna district administration.To implement these safety measures across the district, the DM and SSP convened a joint meeting here on Friday with police superintendents, sub-divisional officers, circle officers and station house officers. The administration has directed officials to take strict legal action against boat operators and boatmen violating the prescribed guidelines, emphasising that safety non-compliance will not be tolerated. The DM, SSP and other senior officials will also hold meetings with boat operators/boatmen at the major ghats within two days to inform them about the prescribed rules and ensure their mandatory compliance. At relatively smaller ghats, meetings with boat operators will be conducted by the circle officers and SHOs.Registration is now mandatory for all vessels, with the district transport officer organising circle-wise camps under the Bihar Model Ferry Rules-2011. Unregistered boats will be seized and operators prosecuted, following a safety and capacity inspection by the Motor Vehicle Inspector.Registered boats must strictly adhere to capacity limits, carry essential safety gear like life jackets, and visibly paint registration, load capacity and operator details on the hull. Operations are banned during adverse weather, said a district administration official.Circle and police officers have been asked to shut dangerous ghats and restrict boat traffic to authorised locations.To enforce compliance, emergency control rooms with magistrates, police and divers are being established at major ghats. Local officials will conduct regular safety checks, brief boat operators and report to the District Disaster Branch.