To give priority to public safety, authorities in Patna are launching a stringent campaign against unsafe boating practices. District Magistrate Thiagarajan SM has stressed the need for compliance while issuing a ban on overloaded boats and unregistered vessels. Additionally, sailing at night is outlawed, and all vessels must be equipped with critical safety gear.

Patna: Patna DM Thiagarajan SM on Tuesday directed sub-divisional and police officials to initiate strict legal action against boat operators violating safety standards in the rivers of the district. The directive orders a complete ban on overloading and operation of unregistered vessels, emphasizing that any compromise on public safety would invite immediate prosecution. Under the new order, operation of all private and government boats has been banned between sunset and sunrise.District authorities, including District Transport Officers (DTOs) and circle officers, have been directed to ensure that every vessel has mandatory safety equipment such as life jackets, lifebuoys, first aid kits and rescue ropes. Boats must also prominently display the operator’s contact details, registration number, load capacity and identification of the nominated trained diver. These measures follow recent inspections at Digha Patipul, Gaighat and Nasirganj, where officials found dangerous transportation of passengers as well as cattle and vehicles beyond the permitted limits.To streamline compliance, DTO will organize circle-wise camps to facilitate registration under Bihar Model Boat Rules-2011 and Bengal Ferry Act, 1885. All boats must undergo inspection by a motor vehicle inspector to certify seaworthiness before being allowed to operate. Besides this, local police and circle officers have been directed to hold meetings with seafarers to explain the norms and conduct regular field inspections.The administration has also authorized complete suspension of boat services during adverse weather conditions. Public announcements regarding safety protocols will be made through the Patna Smart City public address system and by local authorities on the river ghats. Additional District Magistrate for Disaster Management will monitor the implementation of these measures and ensure regular monitoring and reporting to the District Disaster Branch.