Vijayawada: Sunday’s boat tragedy in the Krishna river could have been avoided if officials were allowed a free hand in controlling the private joy ride trade.
Sources said tourism official Sudarshan, who was incharge as manager Gangaraju was on leave, saw the boat being operated before the accident. When he objected, he was told that it was a trial run. Sources said the vigilance wing of the tourism had seized the ill-fated boat belonging to River Boating and Adventures a few days ago. The sources said vigilance officials had received a phone call from a minister belonging to Guntur district recommending that the boat be released.

Sources on the Krishna river bank said that there was a syndicate of private companies, tourism officials and politicians which was permitting boats to be operated illegally. The government has given permissions to private companies to operate boats to boost tourism. There is no mechanism to oversee critical parameters of boat operators including their experience in running passenger services and implementation of safety measures. There are allegations that permits were issued without conducting checks. A private operator had written to the CMO complaining that firms which ahd an understanding with tourism were getting more benefits.