Bhopal: Authorities seems to be happy to overlook the risk to posed by unregulated boating to the lives of people who avail boating facilities at Upper Lake. District administration, Madhya Pradesh Tourism development Corporation (MPTDC), Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) pass the buck on each other as far safety measures in boating at Upper Lake is concerned.
Private boat operators do not have any registration numbers, defined seating capacity and show least concern about safety measures. National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) has empowered the state government for enforcement and implementation for safe boating in waterways or water bodies through district administration and Panchayat.
NDMP recommends that it may be a good practice to keep mandatory provisions for boats to have registration with the local statutory body of the concerned State. The Registration number should be prominently marked on the boat on a particular place as decided by the authority.
The availability of proper infrastructures at each wharf (Jetty) for embarkation and disembarkation are equally important for safe boating. It should be the responsibility of local authorities to provide adequate facilities. Every boat should have approved life saving equipments sufficient for the number of persons that can be carried. Lifesaving appliances such as life jackets, life buoy etc. should be in boats.