Kashi boatmen can’t carry passengers beyond capacity: DM

VARANASI: Any boatman in Varanasi found allowing more passengers than the capacity of their boats will face legal action, said an order issued by the district administration late on Thursday night. The order comes days after a boat tragedy in the Ganga here in which four passengers had drowned.

“The order has been given under Section 144 the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) . Any type of boat will not carry or accommodate passengers beyond its capacity. Life jackets will be compulsorily used by passengers and boatmen. Safety equipment will be placed by the sailors on their boats,” said Varanasi district magistrate Kaushalraj Sharma.

“Life jackets are a must for every passenger. If a boat with a capacity of nine has five life jackets, only five passengers will be allowed to take the boat ride,” the DM added.

“At the ghats, Varanasi Municipal Corporation will put up boards to raise awareness about the order among the boatmen as well as passengers,” he said.

“If any sailor or passenger violates this order, action will be taken against them under Section 188 (disobedience to an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant) and operation of that boat will be banned,” Sharma said and added that the order would remain in effect in the entire Varanasi district till further orders.

Inspector/police officer in-charge of the police stations along the ghats and Jal police will ensure implementation of the orders in their respective areas.