Kerala - Alappuzha   

Ferry service across lake prohibited

ALAPPUZHA: The operation of a ferry service across the Kayamkulam Lake, connecting the tsunami-ravaged Arattupuzha panchayat with Kochiyude Jetty on the mainland, has run into trouble.

The ferry, which is used by villagers and other visitors to Arattupuzha since work on the bridge connecting the nearby Tharavilkadavu with the mainland is yet to be completed, was issued a notice by the Thottapally Canal Office on Thursday.

The notice stated that the ferry owners were violating at least nine rules, thus endangering the lives of the passengers on the ferry. It also prohibited the service from Thursday.

However, owners of the ferry, which is at present the most convenient mode for the public to commute between the places by boarding from Perumbally to alight at Kochiyude Jetty and vice versa, have responded by threatening Canal Officer A. Naushad and continuing with the service illegally.

According to Mr. Naushad, who has been provided police protection after the threats, the ferry is being operated without necessary registration of the boat, mandatory documents and without lifejackets or other life-saving equipment. The absence of pollution certificates, shortage of necessary staff, fire safety equipment, lack of periodical maintenance and most importantly, regular overloading of passengers and vehicles were among the other violations pointed out by the authorities.

“Their actual license is for two boats, which they can connect using a platform. But now they are using three boats so that they can accommodate buses too. With the additional boat, they are carrying nearly 100 tonnes when the permitted carriage is 26 tonnes. An accident can happen any time,” says Mr. Naushad.

The Canal Officer, who inspected the ferry after repeated complaints, said it was up to the local panchayat to arrange an alternative travel mode for the public till the bridge was completed. But allowing the ferry to continue endangering the lives of the public would not be allowed, he said.

The matter, he added, would be referred to the higher-ups since the ferry was continuing to operate despite the notice banning it.

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