ALAPPUZHA: The monsoon is here again. However, the shikhara operators are least bothered about steps to ensure the safety of tourists, even after four years since the drowning of an Andhra Pradesh couple. A reality check by the Deccan Chronicle found no tourist is cruising on shikhara boats wearing a lifejacket which is mandatory. According to the Kerala Inland Vessels Act 2010, it must have a syrang (boat driver) capable of convincing tourists of the safety measure taken. They admit that summer or monsoon, wearing lifejackets on cruising in shikhara is rare in Vembanad Lake.
“We can track unfavourable weather conditions in advance, and we will immediately moor the boat to the nearest jetty,” one of them said. When he was reminded of the incident in which an Hyderabad couple lost their life in June 2013, he said it was unfortunate. “It happened only because of the inexperience of the syrang. He was a minor boy,” he said accepting the fact that many of them are not qualified. There are some 200 shikharas on the Vembanad Lake here.
A report submitted by the then district police chief Thomson Jose soon after the tragedy had demanded strict safety enforcement policy in the backwater tourism industry. The report had said that the majority of boats here had no life-saving equipment like life jackets and lifebuoy and many had no permit of the port department. The employees are still the boat owner’s personal choice. However, unions say they take monsoon season very seriously since the tragedy. “We have asked all syrangs to berth boats in the safest place if they feel any weather changes during the ride. Inexperienced are asked to leave,” said Mohanan of shikhara boat operators union.
“The union has alerted all owners of security measures needed during the season.” The tourism police said they had issued strict orders to inform in advance about the places they cover and where the houseboats would be anchored to ensure safety and security of tourists. In 2011, the then collector banned liquor in the sector during the monsoon season. However, it was not followed. High winds and heavy waves during monsoon have always made the cruising vulnerable to accidents.
