Tourist boat service at the famous Thekkady lake in Kerala, which remained suspended in the wake of the boat tragedy that claimed 45 lives in September last, will resume soon with all safety measures.
The official procedures for resuming the service had been completed and fitness certificates for the boats from the competent authorities were awaited, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) Chairman Cheriyan Philip said in a release here on Thursday.
The fitness tests of the boats of KTDC and Forest Department had been completed by the authorities.
The service would be conducted with all safety measures like life jacket and insurance coverage for the tourists.
Life-guards for the boats would be provided by the Eco Development Committees under the Forest Department. Services of Tourism Police would also be sought to ensure safety of the visitors.
Only licensed helmsmen and sub-crew would be employed for steering the vessels, Philip said in a release here.
The number of passengers to be allowed to board the boats during each trip would be fixed and strictly followed.
The guidelines of the Central Tiger Reserve Board would be followed in conduct of the service since the lake was located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
KTDC boat “Jalakanyaka” with 76 people on board had capsized at the famous high range picnic spot located 210 km from here on September 30, drowning 45 of them.
