In a tragic incident in Assam, six individuals, including four children and an elderly person, have been reported missing after a mechanised country boat capsized in the Brahmaputra river in Barpeta district on Tuesday. Officials confirmed the distressing news, highlighting the ongoing search efforts and safety concerns in the region.
Rescue Operations and Survivor Details
According to Lutfur Dewan, a senior station officer from the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES), the boat was carrying 34 people at the time of the accident. Dewan stated, "Out of the 34 passengers, 28 either managed to swim to the bank or were rescued by emergency teams with assistance from civilians. All of these survivors are currently in good health and have received medical attention."
Cause of the Capsize and Immediate Response
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was alerted about the capsize around 11 am. Dewan explained that the boat was overloaded, which contributed to the disaster. "The vessel was travelling from Rahampur in Chenga, Barpeta district, to a riverine area. Due to the excessive load, the boat driver lost control, leading to the capsize," he added. This incident underscores the critical issue of overloading in water transport, which often compromises safety.
Search Efforts and Temporary Halt
Rescue teams from multiple agencies, including the F&ES, SDRF, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were swiftly deployed to conduct search operations. However, the search was suspended in the evening due to fading light and challenging conditions. Dewan confirmed, "The search operation has been halted for the day and will resume on Wednesday morning, with hopes of locating the missing individuals."
Historical Context and Safety Violations
This incident brings to light a broader safety concern in Assam. The state government imposed a statewide ban on mechanised country boats, locally known as bhut-bhutis, on September 10, 2018. This ban was enacted following a previous boat capsize near Aswaklanta Devalaya in North Guwahati, which resulted in four fatalities, including two college students.
Ongoing Violations and Probe Initiation
Despite the ban, sources within the district administration revealed that mechanised country boats continue to operate illegally in remote areas. A source commented, "A probe will be initiated into this case to determine the exact circumstances. Preliminary information suggests that the boat was privately owned and lacked essential safety measures, such as life jackets. Survivors have reported that no safety protocols were followed on board." This highlights a persistent gap in enforcement and compliance with safety regulations.
The Brahmaputra boat capsize in Barpeta district serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with inadequate safety measures in water transport. As rescue teams prepare to resume their search on Wednesday, the community and authorities are urged to address these violations to prevent future tragedies. The incident underscores the need for stricter adherence to bans and improved safety standards to protect lives in Assam's riverine regions.
