Fresh safety audit of punts, boats plying across river Godavari ordered

BR Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar directed officials to inspect the functioning of boats and boats operating along the Godavari river to ensure their compliance with safety norms.

The instructions came in the wake of a recent accident in which a boat with 80 passengers on board got stranded mid-river between Narsapuram and Sakhinetipalli Revu due to technical fault. Service was then restored within 48 hours.

“Officials from Panchayat Raj, Irrigation and Ports Departments will assess the security of casinos operating at three places along the Godavari river namely Sompalli, Sakhinetipalli Revu, Kotipalli,” Mr. Mahesh Kumar said in an official statement. In other areas, motor boats are used to transport passengers across the Godavari river.

He noted that all boat and boat operators must obtain permission from irrigation or port authorities to continue their operations. Strict sanctions will be imposed against those who operate boats without permission from irrigation authorities.