Thane: Action will be taken against contractor if failed in providing safety to tourists while boating

Masunda Lake is a recreational spot in Thane city. At present, due to the school holidays, the lakes with boating facilities are crowded in the evenings. Boating facilities are available on behalf of the Municipal Corporation at Masunda, Upvan, Ambe-Ghosale and Kharegaon lakes and young and old take advantage of this. While boating, it is necessary to take necessary care and provide safety equipment to the citizens, so that accidents do not occur, even when safety equipment is available with the appointed contractor, it is not used. 

Thane Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar has taken immediate notice and warned that action will be taken against those concerned if safety jackets and rules are not followed during boating.

Masunda Lake is the centre of attraction of Thanekar. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays there is a huge crowd of citizens boating on these lakes. Currently, boating service is running in four major lakes in the municipal area through a contractor. But pedal boats are provided to the tourists without providing any kind of security. Also, complaints have been received that more tourists are being boarded in the passenger boat than the capacity. TMC Commissioner Abhijit Bangar has directed the Environment Department of the Municipal Corporation to take appropriate action in this regard.

Accordingly, Chief Environment Officer Manisha Pradhan visited Masunda and Upvan Lake and inspected the actual facts. Meanwhile, while boating in Masunda Lake, more than capacity tourists were put in the passenger boat, and safety jackets and other safety devices were not seen in the boat while the boat was in the lake. The concerned contractor has been given strict instructions that this matter is serious and endangers the lives of tourists and the boat should not be handed over to tourists without wearing a safety jacket while boating. According to Bangar's direction, Pollution Control Officer Manisha Pradhan has given the boating services at Masunda and Upvan Lakes to the contractor.

Also, the commissioner has given instructions to the concerned department to inspect Ambe-Ghosale lake and Kharegaon lake in the city. Commissioner Abhijit Bangar has also warned to stop the boating service of the concerned contractor considering the public interest if the instructions given by the Municipal Corporation are violated.