Khurda: Even though the state government has decided to make life jackets mandatory for boat riders across the state, a tourist group from Andhra Pradesh was spotted enjoying a boat ride in Chilika Lake without wearing life jackets.
Sources said an MLA from the neighbouring state along with his family, left for Chilika at around 3pm from a Pantha Niwas here on a boat provide by Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC). The OTDC boat lacked adequate safety measure such as fire safety equipment and lifebuoys.
“While the life jackets were left on the jetty, the boatman didn’t even bother to provide them to the on-board passengers,” said a source.
When asked, the boat driver refused to say anything and the MLA too remained tight-lipped on the issue.
In the meanwhile, some local activists alleged that the transport department is only busy tightening noose around private boats but the OTDC boats have been given a long rope.
“The OTDC boats are blatantly flouting the safety rules and risking lives of the tourists,” an activist said.
They have demanded a probe into the matter and strict action against the guilty.
Commerce and Transport Minister Nrusingha Charan Sahu Saturday had asked the district administration to appoint a surveyor for each boat who would ensure use of life jackets by every passenger.
However, it seems that neither the boat driver nor the passengers seem to be worried about their lives, said a source.
G Ram G
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