Boating On Ganga River In Varanasi Prohibited After THIS Hour; Boatmen To Face Legal Action For Violation

Water police disclosed the deployment of four monitoring teams, comprising two NDRF units and two Water Police squads on boats, to maintain a watchful eye on the river.

Boating on the Ganga river in Varanasi has been prohibited after 8:30 p.m., as announced by officials concerned with the safety of tourists. Water Police In-charge, Mithilesh Yadav, highlighted the decision as a crucial step to ensure the well-being of visitors. The restriction comes in response to an increase in drowning incidents during the months of May and June. To bolster security along the Ganga, Jal Police have heightened their presence, with enhanced vigilance particularly on weekends.

Yadav disclosed the deployment of four monitoring teams, comprising two NDRF units and two Water Police squads on boats, to maintain a watchful eye on the river. Additionally, a boat crew and three security personnel have been stationed to support these efforts.

Community Consensus and Enforcement Measures

The decision to halt boating activities post 8:30 p.m. has been made in consultation with the boatmen community, reflecting a collaborative approach to ensure compliance. Any boats found operating beyond the stipulated time will face immediate repercussions, including seizure and the lodging of an FIR against the boatman.

Furthermore, stringent actions such as license cancellation will be pursued to reinforce adherence to the directive. This proactive step aligns with the surge in tourist footfall in Kashi, necessitating enhanced safety protocols.

A monitoring team will utilize loud hailers post 8:30 p.m. to caution sailors, underscoring the commitment to enforcing the new regulations and safeguarding all individuals enjoying the Ganga river experience.