OUR CORRESPONDENT
KOKRAJHAR: In view of the approaching monsoon season and the likelihood of rising water levels in major rivers such as the Aie, Nangalbhanga, Champa, and their tributaries, the District Magistrate of Chirang, Jatin Bora, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the BNSS Act, 2023. The rising water levels are expected to cross danger marks, posing a significant threat of inundation in nearby residential areas and endangering public safety.
The order is intended to prevent accidents, loss of life, and damage to property due to unsafe boating practices and public exposure to hazardous riverbanks during stormy weather. It has restricted fishing activities and prohibits the operation of private boats at unauthorized ghats and rivers. Additionally, it has limited boat movement by lessees at notified ghats between 5:00pm and 6:00am.
Boating without proper safety measures, such as life jackets, buoys, divers and ropes, has been strictly prohibited. The order has also banned the overloading of boats, carrying passengers beyond permitted capacity and operating boats during rainy or stormy conditions. Boats found unfit for navigation shall not be allowed to operate. Furthermore, public access near rivers, streams or damaged/breached roads has been strictly forbidden. The crossing of rivers or streams by the general public has also been prohibited under this order.
This order has been passed ex-parte due to the urgent need to safeguard human life and property. However, security personnel, forest officials, guards, government servants on duty, and those involved in relief and emergency services have been exempted from its scope.
The order takes immediate effect and shall remain in force until further notice. Violation of the order will invite legal action under Section 188 IPC. Any individual who is aggrieved or seeks exemption or modification of this order may submit a written representation to the office of the District Magistrate, Chirang.
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