VIBHA VERMA
The debate over unsafe cruising and voyaging on small inexpensive boats along the Campal beach area has once again surfaced with the onset of monsoon.
The cruise boats – run by private agencies and operating from the water front at the children’s park and near a starred resort, has always come under the scanner for failing to abide by the safety rules and standards for passengers, majority of whom are tourists. Locals have also accused government of permitting to ply these passenger boats despite gross violations but to no avail.
Stephen Dias, a resident of Dina Paula in one of his writings has pointed out potential risk to human lives if these boats collude with the huge off-shore casino vessels. “Goa government with the help of Chief Secretary, Captain of Ports and Corporation of City of Panjim; must take over the control of this serious issue before any major accidents taking place. When the sea is choppy with powerful waves and wind, you can never say what will happen for these boats in such conditions. The boat drivers and the passengers mainly tourists seen venturing the site-seeing tours without any safety gear like life jackets etc must be stopped,” he has said. Apprehending the boats could get grounded or turn turtle/tilted, he has demanded immediate action to stop cruises especially in the monsoons.
Panjim-based businessman and a member of Aaam Aurat Admi Against Gambling Anand Madgavkar echoes the activist’s opinion questioning on the rapid increase in the number of small boats from four to 12 in the last two years. “In the last two years, the boats have increased from 1 to 4 and now 12,” he said adding, “Since they are under the water sports Act, by law all water sports operators cannot operate during the monsoon season (June to September). However, over the past two years and at present, they are operating from the forest department’s children’s park.”
Notwithstanding objections raised from several quarters, the boat operators continue their operations charging Rs 300 per passenger. Each boat has a capacity to carry 50-60 persons.
It is not only with the activists but tourism department is also unhappy with the operations as they seek that the operations should be carried out from the designated Santa Monica jetty in the capital. However, the Ports Administration defends its stance claiming that cruising of these small boats can be carried out from any part of the river subject to permissions obtained.
“It can be carried out from any part of the river. What is unsafe about them? The operators have obtained all the permissions required and these are shallow drafted boats, so there is no question of risk while boarding or alighting,” Captain of Ports James Braganza told Herald. He also stated that these boats are within the safety norms permissions are granted to operate only within the boundaries of inland waters on the eastern side. The licensing authority also ensures to order stopping the operations during rough weathers.
On the other hand, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is not in favour of operations from the Campal beach area. Chairman Nilesh Cabral has raised objection during every Assembly session to which Ports Minister Dilip Parulekar assured of action. “Despite the assurance, the activity is still undertaken,” he stated speaking to Herald.
Menawhile, the activists have even sought to know from the government taxes paid by the boat operators.
