Kochi: The Kochi Corporation has terminated the contract with the ferry operator ‘Cochin Services’ in the wake of the boat tragedy at Fort Kochi in which at least 10 people died.
The decision was taken at an emergency all-party meeting held at the corporation office. “Though the boat had fitness certificate, there was no safety equipment in it which is against the terms of the contract. Hence, we’re terminating the agreement,” Mayor Tony Chammany said.
The contract for operating two ferry boat services and two jankars along the Fort Kochi-Vypeen route was originally set to end only in November.
The jankar services are also currently not being operated since the remains of MB Bharat, which broke into two after being hit by a fishing boat, are kept at the jankar jetty.
The Mayor sought the state government’s help in arranging alternative commuting arrangements as hundreds of people have been put to difficulty in the absence of the ferry and jankar services.
The corporation has also initiated talks with KINCO (Kerala Inland Navigation Corporation) for providing a boat to conduct the ferryservice.
“No decision has been taken on the jankar services as of yet. We’ll review the case only after the Kerala Ports department and the Cochin Port conduct fitness tests in the coming days,” he said.
A sum of Rs 1 lakh each will be provided to the kin of those who died in the mishap while the injured will get Rs 10, 000 each. Fort Kochi native Iqbal, who was injured while conducting rescue operations, will be extended a financial assistance of Rs 50, 000 from the Mayor’s relief fund.
Meanwhile, the Kerala ports department has filed a preliminary report and requested the police to remove the remains of the ill-fated boat from the jetty.
“The fitness test of the jnakars is yet to be carried out as the owner sought more time. We hope the police will complete the formalities and remove the remains of the boat from the jetty atthe earliest,” sources said.
