Life jacket must for boats in Odisha

In the aftermath of the boat tragedy in Hirakud reservoir where 31 people died on Sunday, the Odisha government today decided to make life jackets mandatory for boats.
Special Relief Commissioner P K Mohapatra told reporters that in a meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, it was decided that boats should have life jackets and boatmen trained.
"Boating at Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Indravati reservoir, Upper Kolab reservoir and other places will be strictly monitored," he said, referring to the tourist spots.
Patnaik directed departments concerned to examine fitness of boats and their capacity and the skill of boatmen before granting registration for plying, he said.

Routine checks were also to be carried out at regular intervals.
The Odisha Boat Rule, 2004 would be strictly implemented and the licence of violators cancelled, he said.
The Inland Transport Organisation coming under Commerce and Transport Department would look into matters, an official release added.