Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Aug 11: In an interesting turn in the entire episode of protest over Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) Survey by Baratang Fiber Boat Owners Association, the Administration today claimed that the boat owners of Baratang have agreed to conduct IRS Survey.
Mr. Rakesh Bali, the Secretary of Tourism today told Andaman Sheekha that after discussing with the boat associations it was decided that all the unions will make a schedule for this survey considering which they will be given further extension. Most of the boat operators have paid their fees for this survey and Administration is giving them the permission.
“We also had two meetings with the Baratang Fiber Boat Operators and we have convinced them that IRS survey is a legal requirement and without the IRS the permission granted to the small boats will always be temporary as IRS is a requirement of law and Baratang fiber boat operators also accepted this and agreed to carry out the IRS survey and we have assured them that the administration will help them in all circumstances so that the survey may carry out as soon as possible and in a very simple way as per the legal requirements,” Mr. Bali told Channel One news and Andaman Sheekha today.
He said that the Baratang tour operators have assured Administration that they will soon join the survey and also he has appealed the boat operators to withdraw their hunger strike.
“There was no demand from the boat operators but they had suggestions and as soon as the survey process will start the department will work on their suggestions,” Mr. Bali assured.
However, later talking to Andaman Sheekha the Boat operators of Baratang have clarified that they never agreed to IRS Survey and this is the reason why they will continue their hunger strike even tomorrow.
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