Kerala boat tragedy: Dependents to get Rs 5 lakh each

KOCHI: The government will provide a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the dependants of those  killed in the boat mishap at Fort Kochi on Wednesday.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told reporters  here  that the decision was taken at  a meeting attended by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

The government has  also decided to provide  Rs 1 lakh each to the grievously injured and bear the   expenses of all undergoing treatment,  he  said.

The government will take steps  to avoid similar accidents in future.  Discussions will be held with experts in the sector to formulate guidelines in this regard, he said.

Excise and Ports Minister K. Babu said that a safety audit of all boats plying in the backwaters of Kochi would  be held soon. The licences of boats without the requisite safety standards would be cancelled, he said.

Kochi Corporation will also provide Rs 1 lakh to kith and kin of the persons died in the boat tragedy, Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany said.