Illegal water sports operations thriving in connivance with government officials (NT)

NT NETWORK
PANAJI: Death of three Russians in a boat capsize incident off Canaguinim coast last month had brought to light the illegal activities going on the state’s beaches. But random checks carried out by officials of Captain of Ports department along with officials of the tourism department and the marine police since October-end failed to find any boat being illegally operated for ferrying passengers (mostly tourists) on pleasure trips at any of the beaches.
It is learnt that fishing boats are used by operators for water sports activities. But they are tipped off by officials from concerned departments before raids allowing them to go undercover.
Captain of Ports James Braganza said, “The CoP has permitted 1,500 boats and water sports equipments (like jet skis, speed boats, para sailing equipment). Most of the boats and water sports equipments were permitted in Calangute, Baga, Sinquerim areas. We have not been able to find any boat that was operating illegally.”
He said that meetings of officials of his department along with that of tourism, fisheries and police departments along with that of the National Institute of Water Sports have been held to keep a tab on the operations of the water sports activities and prevent accidents in future.
Another official said that it was difficult to keep a track on each and every boat and find out if it was being operated for water sports activities along the vast coastal area of the state. He said that many fishermen use their boats for water sports activities without obtaining proper licences from authorities and there was possibility of some people still illegally operating boats for water sports.
Stating that since multiple agencies were involved in issuing no objection certificates, licences and permits there was scope for manipulations by the water sports operators, yet another official said that there were plans to carry out joint checks to ensure that no more incidents, like the one at Canaguinim, take place.
The official further said that there was need for self regulation by the water sports activity operators and ensure that they adhere to all norms and use all safety measures, including providing their clients with safety equipment to prevent any injuries or fatalities. He said that they have to be more responsible and go by the rules.
He said that seldom do water sports operators go by weather warnings and that safety has been taking a backseat in the scheme of operations by the water sports operators. He said that they have to check ground realities before venturing into the sea. He also said that the operators were helped by unscrupulous employees of various departments who tip them before raids.
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