Govt to institute high-level inquiry into Nimatighat boat accident: Assam CM

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid a visit to the boat accident site and surrounding areas near Nimatighat in Jorhat district today to assess the current situation and rescue efforts by the NDRF and SDRF.

From a machine boat, the Chief Minister kept an eye on the search operation for about 45 minutes.

Visiting the accident site, CM Sarma said that the Jorhat District Administration has been directed to register a criminal case on the boat accident.

He also stated that, in addition to suspending three officials from the Inland Water Transport Department, the government would launch a high-level investigation into the accident.

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Furthermore, the Chief Minister stated that all private ferries will be prohibited from operating from today because they lack a marine engine.

If the owners want to convert the single-engine to a marine engine, the state government will provide a grant of Rs. 10 lakh with a 75% subsidy.

He also stated that four IWT ferries would begin service between Kamalabari and Nimatighat immediately and that two more ferries would be dispatched to Majuli shortly.

Apart from the ferries, two Ro-Pax would also be operationalized, he added.

The Chief Minister also stated that dredging between Kamalabari and Nimatighat would be carried out to create a navigation channel to ensure continuous Ro-Pax service throughout the year.

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CM Sarma also stated that Jorhat DC  and Majuli DC  would reschedule ferry service timings and that two magistrates, one from Jorhat and one from Majuli, would monitor the ferries' timely operation.

The government would also issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) to schedule health checks for those who work just on boats.

When asked about the status of the bridge connecting Jorhat and Majuli, the Chief Minister stated that the necessary process is underway and that construction will begin in November.

The bridge would take four years to build, he said, adding that a Group of Ministers (GoM) would be formed to monitor progress.

The Chief Minister also expressed deep sorrow over the death of Parimita Das (30) a resident of Kahilipara, Guwahati, who lost her life in a boat accident.

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He then visited the Jorhat Medical College & Hospital (JMCH) and met those injured in the boat accident and enquiring about their health and urged doctors to ensure the best treatment.

CM Sarma stated that he would meet with her parents and extend all necessary government support to them.

Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan and Power Minister Bimal Bora, MLAs Hitendra Nath Goswami, MPs Topon Kumar Gogoi and Pradan Baruah, Bhaben Bharali and Renupama Rajkhowa, and DGP Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta were also present during the visit of the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister also thanked and expressed deep gratitude to those who rescued the passengers of the capsized boat with exemplary bravery and humanitarian zeal.

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CM Sarma also paid a visit to Majuli today, where he met with representatives from AASU, AJYCP, TMPK and other local organisations to learn about their concerns and listen to their concerns.

He assured that the government would take all necessary measures to ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of ferries between Kamalabari and Nimatighat.

The government will limit the number of passengers per boat and maintain strict vigilance, he added.

He also stated that strict action would be taken if the number of passengers exceeded the limit.

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