Ferrymen urged to follow safety regime

HARIPUR:

Ferrymen operating on all routes of Tarbela Dam have been ordered to strictly abide by safety bylaws to avoid the loss of precious lives during rush days.

Authorities concerned have warned them stating that legal action will be taken against those found showing negligence, overloading, and fleecing tourists and locals.

In this regard, a delegation of ferrymen of Tarbela Dam met Station House Officers of Khilabat Police Station Chanzeb Khan Tanoli. He said business operators play with precious human live to satisfy their greed.

“Due to negligence, many boat accidents have occurred at Tarbela Dam in the past but this year, the safety of passengers will be ensured. So far, hundreds of passengers have drowned in Tarbila lake in these accidents. He said that the ferrymen of the said area have been instructed to take all the safety measures to protect the life and property of the passengers.

“Khilabat police will check safety measures daily.

Legal action will be taken against sailors in case of overloading or boarding passengers without life jackets.”

It’s worth noting here that last year, a passenger boat capsised at the lake, drowning several women and children.

In this regard, local sources have said that due to the increase in petrol prices, boat fares have also increased. People in hundreds of villages around the lake have reduced the use of boats as rides.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2023.