Boat services resume in Mathura with new safety norms

Agra: Boat services at the Yamuna ghats in Mathura resumed on Monday after a 23-day suspension following an April boat capsize in the Yamuna river that killed 16 people. The incident occurred near Keshi Ghat in Vrindavan, when a boat carrying 37 pilgrims overturned. The services were restored after the administration and local boatmen reached a consensus on key safety and regulatory measures, including mandatory use of life jackets, limits on passenger capacity and revised registration fees.According to officials, strict enforcement of life jacket use and carrying capacity norms will now be ensured. A registration camp was also set up by the municipal corporation at Keshi Ghat. The registration fee has been fixed at Rs 500 for non-motorised boats and Rs 1,500 for motorboats. So far, at least 135 boatmen have been registered and issued licences, while around 400 others have purchased application forms.Mathura district magistrate CP Singh said, “Boatmen and their families had expressed concern over the high registration fee, saying they would not be able to afford it. The govt accepted their concerns and reduced the fee to Rs 1,500 for motorboats and Rs 500 for smaller boats. Operations have now resumed in both Mathura and Vrindavan.”He added that three safety norms will be mandatory: “First, all passengers and boatmen must wear life jackets. Second, passenger limits must be strictly followed, similar to capacity rules in lifts. Third, boats will undergo periodic fitness checks and operators must comply with certification and registration processes.”