Mayor for ‘Pappy’ despite breakdown

Opposition leader K.J. Jacob demanded that the converted barge should not be allowed to operate as it broke down for a fifth time on Wednesday.

“The commuters are scared over the regular breakdowns and concerned about its safety,” he said. Mr Jacob also demanded certification of Indian Registrar of Shipping, a most competent national agency, made mandatory for all vessels plying in Kochi backwaters.

“The council should unanimously take a decision in this regard considering the risk factors involved in the op-eration of vessels across the sea channel,” he said.

Other Opposition councillors also voiced similar concerns. They alleged that mayor Tony Chammany didn’t consult with the Opposition before signing the agreement with a private individual to operate Pappy on the route where the ill-fated boat MV Bharat met with an accident killing 11 people.

CPM councillor Anil Kumar alleged that even the finance committee did not have details of the monthly rent fixed for the boat and other agreement terms.

However, replying to the debate, Mr Chammany said the chief secretary and local self-government department secretary would be requested to provide an alternative boat, either from government departments or private agencies.

“I didn’t do anything in violation of the rules and regulations. The decision to introduce ‘Pappy’ was taken after a meeting with leaders of political parties in the council and other stakeholders. As per the Municipal Act, the council chairman can take decisions on his own in emergency situations that should be later ratified by the council,” he said.