Boat tragedy: Andhra Pradesh minister got seized boat freed

Vijayawada: Sunday’s boat tragedy in the Krishna river could have been avoided if officials were allowed a free hand in controlling the private joy ride trade. Sources said tourism department official Sudarshan, who was holding charge of the post as manager Gangaraju was on leave, had seen the boat being operated an one hour before the accident. When he objected, he was told that it was a trial run.

Sources said the AP tourism vigilance wing had seized the ill-fated boat belonging to River Boating and Adventures a few days ago, but officials had received a phone call from a minister belonging to Guntur district recommending that the boat be released. Sources on the Krishna river bank said that there was a syndicate of private companies, tourism officials and politicians which was permitting boats to be operated illegally.

There is no mechanism to check the experience of boat operators in running passenger services and implementation of safety measures. An operator had written to the Chief Minister’s Office that firms which had an understanding with officials were getting more benefits.