Life jackets must, no night rides: Sangam safety overhaul after Mathura, MP tragedies

Prayagraj: Taking lessons from the Mathura and Jabalpur boat tragedies, Jal Police have introduced a three-tier safety plan at Sangam. The measures cover 24/7 surveillance, seating limits, and compulsory life jackets for all pilgrims and visitors on boats.At least five Jal Police teams will oversee boat deployment and ensure passengers wear life jackets. Cops are also on patrol at the ghats and Sangam to check drowning incidents. Boat rides will not be allowed at night.DCP (City) and nodal officer (Jal police) Maneesh Shandilya told TOI, “Cops have prepared a foolproof security plan for pilgrims and visitors arriving at Sangam for sacred dips and enjoying a boat ride. Five police teams have been engaged for patrolling as well as maintaining a strict vigil on boats.”He said over-seating in boats will not be allowed and life jackets are now mandatory for all pilgrims taking boat rides.With scores of pilgrims visiting Sangam daily for holy dips, senior cops are pushing for foolproof security, including boat fitness certificates and verified experience for boatmen.Shandilya said Sangam remains a top destination for devotees who come for holy dips and rituals. About 700 boats operate from different ghats of the Ganga and Yamuna, and Jal Police have been asked to check the fitness certificates of all boats before deployment. Life jackets are already mandatory for all pilgrims taking boat rides from Quila Ghat or Saraswati Ghat to Sangam.