Sarthak Kanjilal & Vikram Aditya
Port Blair, Sept 15: Swift action by the administration after a flurry of complaints from various section and media reports has steered the Shipping Department to plan major revamps to ensure passenger safety and comfort on mainland-bound vessels. After huge public outcry and media criticism over pathetic services on mainland vessels, the Lt. Governor of these islands strictly ordered the Shipping officials to embark on surprise checks and travel on mainland vessels to have first hand assessment of the public concerns recently.
Acting promptly on the instructions, the Deputy Director Shipping Services, Mr R Veeraiah recently travelled to Chennai on board MV Nancowry. Mr. Veeraiah told Andaman Sheekha that during meetings held on board with the crew of the vessel, summed up concerns relating to passenger amenities particularly those relating to sanitation, Air Conditioning, supply of food etc. It was also noticed by the official during the voyage that the cooperation of the passengers is also required to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness in the vessel during the four-day long voyage.
“Basic services like water supply, clean lavatories, functioning of air-conditioners, supply of proper food etc were reviewed by the Shipping Department’s official during the voyage. The views of the crew members for making certain better facilities for passengers during ship travel were also taken. Among others, one issue that figured prominently was that relating to filth created by some passengers during the voyage. Vomiting and throwing garbage at various passages is one of the reasons for insanitary conditions on board,” said an official of the Shipping Department requesting anonymity.
According to sources, the Deputy Director of Shipping Department has submitted a detailed report about his inspection and issues noticed during the voyage. The Shipping Department will come out with a detailed plan to ensure better facilities for passenger comfort in mainland vessels soon. “The prompt action of the Lt. Governor has drawn accolades from various sections of the society. Taking immediate cognizance and directing surprise checks by Shipping Officers, the Administrator has guaranteed that the Shipping Department will soon some out with radical steps to provide more efficient and comfortable journey to ship passengers in the mainland sector,” said a frequent ship traveller to Kolkata.
