Odisha to frame new rules for safe transport & trade on boats

BHUBANESWAR: The state government has decided to formulate a new policy to promote safe transportation and trade in inland waterways by replacing the 19-year-old Odisha Boat Rules of 2004.
“We will draft the Odisha inland vessels rules along the lines of the Indian Vessels Act, 2021. We will take help from the National Inland Navigation Institute, Patna for preparing the rules,” state commerce and transport secretary Usha Padhee said following a preparatory meeting held here with various stakeholders on Tuesday.
Though the government formulated the Odisha Boat Rules, 2004 to ensure registration and proper checking of passenger and cargo boats in the inland waters, the law lacked teeth, resulting in rampant movement of many unlicenced vessels in unsafe conditions in the rivers and in the Chilika lake, sources said. Besides, poor enforcement activities and safety audit of the condition of the transport vessels led to many instances of boats capsizing. While some incidents were fatal, in other cases the passengers escaped by a whisker. According to NCRB data, 79 people died in such accidents in the state in 2021, the highest in the country. In 2020, with 58 deaths, Odisha was at third position after Bihar (65 deaths) and Uttar Pradesh (69 deaths).
“In the new policy, we will frame classification, standards of design, construction, and crew accommodation. Construction or modification of boats will require approval of a designated authority. All vessels will have to be registered with the government. Their movement and identities will be shared with the Centre,” another official said, adding, “In order to operate in inland waters, vessels must have a certificate of survey and registration. And just like motor vehicles, the vessels must be insured.”
Meanwhile, the state government has decided to introduce solar or battery-powered boats in Chilika to prevent noise and air pollution. “We will run it on an experimental basis shortly. If the plan succeeds, we will introduce it in other inland waterways as well,” the official said.