Khurda/Berhampur, Dec 14: Yesterday the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) gave directions to the Commerce and Transport department, Chilika Development Authority (CDA), Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) Southern Division, IG, Southern Range and Ganjam Collector to submit a detailed report, on the tragic incident taken place at Chilika three days ago, within three weeks.
Khurda collector Niranjan Sahu and Khurda SP had visited Barkul yesterday for an inspection as to see whether the passengers presently ferrying in Chilika Lake are abided by the Odisha Boat Rules. They also directed the boat owners’ associations to ensure that only boats that are registered will be allowed ferrying in the lake. Before the boats are registered, each boat must have a license which indicating that the boatman must be qualified to ferry the boat and the boat must have life jackets and life buoys. Also the boat must be insured and in a running condition. Majority of boats are registered and have the license and the remaining ones would be registered as assured to them by the Associations.
Yesterday the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court, Khallikote granted bail to boatman Bideshi Mallick and the Rambha Police produced a minor boy, who was with Mallick in that ill-fated boat, before the Juvenile Justice Board in Berhampur.
