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Compensation Sanctioned; Directives Issued On Preventive Steps to Avoid Such Disasters

Port Blair, Dec. 19: The Lt. Governor, Lt. General (Retd) AK Singh has sanctioned Rs one lakh as compensation to the next of kin of the deceased in the boat tragedy at Dhani Nallah, North & Middle Andaman on Dec.16.

To avoid such untoward incidents in future, the Lt. Governor directed the Fisheries Department to inform the public and the fishermen community that any illegal activity being undertaken in fishing boats will result in cancellation of licence. Deputy Commissioners have been directed to keep a strict vigil in this regard. In case of need, alternative safe arrangements be made so as to provide basic minimum service to the people.

The Lt. Governor also desired that a sensitization and education programme should be launched involving PRIs, Education Department and local revenue officials in this regard.

The Lt. Governor ordered the Secretary Shipping to assess and submit an action plan by Jan 5th as to where the deployment of boats is necessary to alleviate problems of the local population. These boats may be redeployed from existing fleet/hired boats till the Department makes alternative arrangements.

Directing strict enforcement, the Lt. Governor said that the Shipping Department should ensure that all boats ferrying   passengers have safety gear irrespective of type of boat. 

 

It may be recalled that this unfortunate incident occurred at Dhani Nallah North & Middle Andaman when an engine dinghy overloaded with 25 passengers coming from Cutberth Bay to Betapur capsized in the sea. Of the 25 passengers, 19 reached the shore safely. However, six people could not be saved. Out of the six, the bodies of the five have been recovered. However, search operation by the Naval divers and other agencies to trace Ganga Mandal (80yrs female) is still continuing.