Team Herald
PANJIM: Apprehending fatal accidents owing to high intensity lights of some river cruise vessels, Transport Department has written to Captain of Ports Department seeking a ban on use of tracer/high intensity focus lights.
“It has come to the notice of this department (Transport) that some river cruise vessels plying in Mandovi River are using high intensity tracer/focus lights on their decks and the same is projected in such a manner that could lead to major distraction of drivers/motorists who are plying vehicles on the Mandovi bridges as well as along D B Marg,” a written communiqué by Transport Director Nikhil Desai to CoP James Braganza states.
Desai has expressed worry that the high intensity tracer lights could lead to possible fatal accidents. As such, Transport Director has urged CoP to issue necessary directions to all vessels plying in River Mandovi ‘not to use such tracer/high intensity focus lights and the same should be banned with immediate effect to prevent any untoward accident’.
A few river cruise vessels – one of the major tourist attractions – ply from Santa Monica jetty during the day, with the evening hours seeing a huge crowd. The number of visitors on board cruise vessels increases manifold during the peak season with loud music also allegedly disturbing drivers/motorists.
