Varanasi: Police administration issued a directive that no boat will operate in the Ganga without life jackets. No boat without registration will be allowed to operate. The boatmen were cautioned with strict action against those found overloading and were asked to treat devotees as guests and not charge extra fare. Violation of guidelines would lead to fine and seizure of the boat.Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal, on Wednesday, felicitated three boatmen, Akash Sahni, Chhotu Sahni and Rakesh Sahni, who risked their lives and jumping into the Ganga to rescue drowning bathers at ghats.Agrawal met boatmen at the Traffic Hall and issued directives to ensure safety of travellers and devotees as topmost priority. The boatmen were made aware of compliance with safety standards related to boat operation and were warned of strict action against violation of rules. All boatmen were directed to ensure 100 per cent compliance with safety and other guidelines. Directions were issued for complete ban on seating passengers beyond prescribed capacity of boats and to mandatorily keep necessary safety equipment such as life jackets, ropes, torches and first-aid materials during operation. Boatmen were also directed to use only designated safe routes while operating in deep-water areas and not to enter restricted zones without permission and maintain safe distance from other boats to avoid collisions. Speed of boats need to be controlled at strong currents, whirlpools or sensitive spots nearest water police be informed in case of emergency.During the meeting, issues of boatmen were heard and necessary officers concerned were directed for resolution. Boatmen were motivated to work in coordination with administration and to immediately inform the police about any problem.
