VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday directed Chief Secretary L.V. Subramanyam and DGP Gautam Sawang to closely monitor the rescue operations being carried out at Devipatnam following the boat tragedy earlier during the day. He announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of those deceased.
The CM also directed senior officials to deploy specialised teams of National NDRF as well as the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for rescuing the tourists.
AP police has sought assistance from the Navy and ONGC for deploying helicopters and helping the rescue operations.
Following the tragedy, Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy has ordered suspension of all boating services. He asked officials to check the condition of various boats, their licences and competence of operators in operating the boats. He directed the officials to deploy technical experts to examine safety measures on the boats and submit a detailed report.
The Chief Minister further directed his ministers to go to Devipatnam and participate in rescue operations. He has ordered officials to continuously update him on the rescue and search operations.
