Minister calls for safety steps to curb boat mishaps

Visakhapatnam: Tourism Minister M Srinivasa Rao has underlined the need for creating awareness among the people about the safety measures to be taken to prevent mishaps in tourist spots.

A decision was taken to set up an Integrated Maritime Board to enforce guidelines in the National Disaster Management Authority manual strictly for safety of boat passengers.

Speaking at a review meeting held here on Thursday in the wake of the boat tragedy at Katchuluru in East Godavari district, the Minister said that prescribed guidelines should be strictly adhered to avoid any accident in the tourist destinations.

He also said that a committee should be constituted to frame guidelines for issuing boat licences and appointing life guards. He also directed officials to install CC cameras at tourist spots.

Condition of boats should be checked from time to time, he added. District Collector V Vinay Chand said that lack of coordination had led to boat tragedy at Katchuluru. Officials of various departments from three districts took part in the meeting.