Kochi corporation cancels contract with operator

Kochi Corporation has terminated its agreement with the firm which was entrusted with operating boats between Vypeen and Fort Kochi, in Kochi Corporation has terminated its agreement with the firm which was entrusted with operating boats between Vypeen and Fort Kochi the wake of concerns being raised about their safety following Wednesday’s boat accident.

The firm failed to stock adequate number of life-saving equipment (like life jackets, life buoys etc.,), contrary to provisions in the agreement. The decision was taken at an all-party meeting held here on Monday, Mayor Tony Chammany said in a statement. The meeting also decided to seek State Government’s help to mobilize alternative boats to operate in the busy sector, he said.

A decision on restoring operation of two junkars in the sector will be taken shortly, after they are recertified, Corporation sources said. Naval architects had stated that more people could have been saved if there were adequate number of life jackets on board the vessel that sank in three minutes.

The meeting further agreed to give Rs 1 lakh to kin of victims and Rs 10,000 to those injured. Another Rs 50,000 would be given to Iqbal of Fort Kochi, who sustained serious injuries during rescue operations.

In the meantime, people from Goshree islands and Fort Kochi have said that that they would stage a protest march to the Kochi Corporation on Wednesday if it failed to arrange alternative boats in the sector.

This will be the first phase of the agitation. The civic agency is rubbing salt to injury by being lethargic about concerns of commuters, said Majnu Komath, chairman of Goshree Action Council.

The CPI(M) has blamed Cochin Port Trust and Ports Department for issuing licence to the ill-fated vessel, unmindful of its age and condition. Councillors had raised doubts about its fitness in Corporation Council.

Still, the civic agency permitted it to continue service. Action must be taken against the vessel’s contractors and the owner of the fishing vessel, said P. Rajeev, its district secretary.

Src – : http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/boats-agreement-cancelled-decision-on-two-junkars-awaited/article7602173.ece

Found Useful? Do Share: Kochi corporation cancels contract with operator: