Vessels polluting fresh water may be penalised

In land vessels polluting rivers and canals may soon face stiff penalties with the government considering an amendment to the Central Inland Water Vessels Act. At present, oil spillage is forbidden only in the sea. This restriction will be made applicable to inland water also.

Shipping department officials said the government would take a strong stance against vessels spilling oil and other hazardous chemicals in inland waters. "The rules under the amended Act will specify stiff penalties for the offenders, including cancellation of vessel registration," the official said.

The government is also considering extending the limits for inland water vessels up to the mouth of the sea. This will allow vessels to load and unload directly from the ports.

Officials said the amendment to extend limits would boost inland water transport by allowing seamless transportation of goods from the ports. At present, goods have to be picked up from special terminals built for inland water vessels.

The limit up to which inland vessels could go would be specified, officials said, adding that the amended Act would also lay down parameters for the category of vessels which could go up to that limit. "Only strong vessels that can withstand currents and turbulence in the sea will be allowed," an official said.

Other proposed amendments include more flexibility to inland vessels operating outside the state of registration. The validity of permit for operating in other states is expected to be increased to three years instead of one year at present, officials said.

The move was aimed at removing cumbersome procedures that inland operators face at present, they added.

Officials said the Central Inland Water Vessels Act would also be brought in line with the Motor Vehicle Act by including third-party insurance provisions.

Officials said while the Motor Vehicle Act has undergone several amendments, the Inland Vessels Act has remained untouched since 1917.