Boating Services to Papikondalu Suspended Pending Safety Audit
The order also called for a mock drill involving all concerned departments and stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of emergency response mechanisms and disaster management protocols before services are resumed.
Vijayawada:Boating services to Papikondalu from the Gandipochamma ferry point in Devipatnam mandal of Polavaram district were suspended from Saturday pending a comprehensive safety audit.
Rampachodavaram RDO K. Swathi, in an order issued on Saturday, said a detailed safety audit covering boating operations, vessels, safety equipment, crew preparedness, emergency response systems and regulatory compliance is yet to be completed.
The order also called for a mock drill involving all concerned departments and stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of emergency response mechanisms and disaster management protocols before services are resumed.
According to the proceedings, the suspension will remain in force until the safety audit is completed by competent authorities and the mock drill is successfully conducted. Authorities have been directed to submit a joint inspection report along with the safety audit findings and mock drill report for review. Boating operations will be permitted only after all safety requirements are met.
The district administration took the decision following an incident on Friday in which a private tourist boat carrying more than 80 passengers developed a technical problem while travelling from Gandipochamma to Papikondalu. Officials said a rope became entangled in the boat’s propeller, forcing the operator to move the vessel to a nearby shore. An alternative boat was later arranged to transport the tourists to their destination.
Boat operators criticised the frequent suspension of services and urged the authorities to formulate standard operating procedures to avoid sudden disruptions. They said tourists often make travel plans and book tickets online in advance, only to face cancellations when services are halted at short notice.
Operators said around 400 tickets had been sold for Sunday’s services and the ticket amount would now have to be refunded.
Nearly 18 boats operate between Gandipochamma and Papikondalu, with services scheduled according to tourist demand.