Patna: Authorities in Patna have announced a sweeping administrative drive to regulate river transport, making registration compulsory for all boats operating in the district following concerns over passenger safety.
The district magistrate, Dr Thiyagarajan S M, directed officials to organise special registration camps across every administrative circle to ensure compliance. Sub-divisional officers and police officials have been instructed to coordinate the initiative at the local level.
The district transport office will oversee the rollout of registration camps on a circle-by-circle basis, with a focus on speeding up the process. The disaster management department has been tasked with supervising the exercise and ensuring that all safety protocols are followed.
Local administrative and police officials have also been told to hold meetings with boat operators to inform them of the new requirements. Regular inspections will be carried out, and authorities have warned of strict action against those who fail to comply.
Officials said the move follows inspections that found several boats operating beyond their permitted capacity, often carrying passengers, livestock and vehicles simultaneously at riverbank landing points.
The district administration has said it will take legal action against overloaded or unregistered vessels, adding that no compromise will be made on public safety. Residents have been urged to use only those boats that meet prescribed safety standards.
