Port Blair, Jan 28: In the aftermath of the boat tragedy in Port Blair the Administration has geared up to ensure total safety of passengers in private and government vessels.
A technical team headed by the Chief Port Administrator has already started inspecting each and every private tourist boat to verify their registration and safety compliances.
“Inspection of 26 boats at Junglighat Jetty has already been completed. It may be recalled that the Lt. Governor has ordered a detailed safety audit of all boats plying in and around the islands, including those of the inter island and mainland sectors,” said Mr. Rakesh Bali in a Press Release today.
He added that detailed safety standard operating procedures are to be formulated and updated and their compliance ensured. The aspect of rescue and emergency response in such situations will also be highlighted and SOPs revised. Insurance of passengers also has to be looked into.
“The Additional District Magistrate, South Andaman has already started the enquiry into the incident. The Magisterial enquiry will bring out the sequence of events, pinpoint the violations, if any with regard to the safety aspects and operational issues. It will also look into ways for strengthening the response mechanisms,” he said.
