Journos’ platform places 10-point recommendation

Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF) yesterday placed a 10-point recommendation to make waterways journeys safe ahead of the Eid-Ul-Azha.

The journalists’ platform, through a press statement, also called upon authorities concerned to deploy adequate number of law enforcers at Shumulia and Paturia ferry terminals, to maintain discipline for uninterrupted ferry and launch services on Shumulia-Kathalbari and Paturia-Doulatdia route of the Padma, during the huge rush of people during the Eid vacation.

The organisation also sought tough action to prevent overloading of all kind of passenger vessels, especially launches and sea trucks, on different waterways routes across the country.

SCRF also recommended strengthening mobile court drives against irregularities and mismanagements in service, preventing illegal and unfit vessels from plying, and ratcheting up coast guard and river police’s activities.

It also urged district administration, including district police, to stop the operation of illegal and faulty vessels in coastal and Haor areas during the Eid vacation.

The platform also sought steps to introduce weather updates every hour through loudspeaker announcements, and through TV and radio channels, at all the terminals.

“We have prepared the recommendations after taking issues such as weather into consideration, to ensure security and safety of passengers,” SCRF President Ashis Kumar Dey said.

He said homebound people of coastal areas would prefer waterways to reach their village homes ahead of Eid to avoid possible traffic jam and accidents on roads and highways, which will intensify pressure on waterways during this monsoon season.

Besides, weather has been unpredictable, he said, adding, “So, the authorities should take steps in advance to make journey of home-goers safer.”