Ludhiana: As the water resources department (WRD) failed to get a private operator for ferrying/operating boats/water sports activities on Sidhwan Canal in the city, it has again issued a tender for the start of the service on the canal at two places: one near Brahman Majra village and the other near Jhamat village beyond South City. Earlier, the water resources department had issued a tender for one such place (near Brahman Majra village) around August last year but did not get an operator.Talking to TOI, Executive Engineer of the water resources department, Ludhiana, Nitin Sood suggested that bids have been invited again. He added that the facility is in the city and has eateries, shopping complexes, and colonies near it.A WRD official, asking not to be named, said that the areas for which tenders have been invited have an edge over such a facility at Doraha, where activities have been going on for many months, as one of these is in the city and the other is close to Ludhiana in the South area. He added that shopping facilities and eateries are also in these areas, which are expected to make these places favorites among visitors, including tourists.A WRD official further said that even as the estimated minimum annual reserve price for last year’s tender for the boating facility near Brahman Majra village was ₹13.60 lakhs, it has been decreased to ₹11.56 lakhs to attract bidders. He added that for the second boating facility near Jhamat village, the price is the same.According to the standard bidding document, the license for operating boats and water sports will be granted for a period of seven years. The bid documents became available on March 16 and will remain open until April 1, with the announcement of the bid scheduled for the same day.The contract includes stringent safety requirements. The licensee will be responsible for providing life jackets, flashlights, first aid kits, fire safety equipment, and other essential gear. A trained lifeguard and a fast rescue motorboat must be available at all times during the license period. Boats must be maintained in sound condition and comply with safety standards issued by the governments of Punjab and India.All boat operators must be trained in swimming and rescue operations. Slow-moving boats will carry a maximum of 10 passengers. Boating hours will be from 6 am to 7 pm (April 1 to September 30) and 7 am to 5 pm (October 1 to March 31). Activities will be suspended annually from July 1 to September 30 due to monsoon conditions.The licensee shall be bound to obey the orders for closing boating on a temporary basis during high flood discharges, closures, or any other reason as and when intimated by the concerned Executive Engineer or Sub Divisional Engineer. The licensee will be solely responsible for the operation of these boats due to the increase or decrease of water levels in the canal or water body.Meanwhile, many residents said that it will be good to have such a facility in the city but stressed that safety norms should be ensured. Amarjit Kaur, a resident, said that the facility will be good for amusement and enjoyment but stressed that the safety of visitors should be the top focus for those who operate such a facility.Some Special Conditions of ContractThe licensee shall not store any goods not permitted by law, including those of a hazardous, explosive, flammable, or combustible nature that may cause risk by fire or explosion, or materials which, on account of their weight or nature, may cause damage to the licensed premises. The licensee shall be liable or responsible for any destruction or damage to the licensed premises.The licensee will not use drugs or alcohol, nor will they allow any person or passenger to do drugs or consume alcohol on the boats or allow any such inebriated passengers in the vehicles. Any violation in this regard shall invite strict legal action against the licensee. The licensee shall ensure that no illegal or illicit activity takes place on the premises.Basic Amenities and ParkingAs per the bid document, the successful bidder will be responsible for providing proper parking space for visitor vehicles to avoid congestion. The bidder must also maintain basic amenities such as drinking water and washroom facilities in good working condition throughout the lease period.Boating was already started on an approximately one-kilometer stretch of the Sirhind Canal near Doraha around September last year.
