STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Aiming to ensure safe journey on the Brahmaputra and other rivers in the State, Dispur is ready to implement the Jibondinga scheme. The scheme is being funded by the World Bank.
The scheme will be implemented by the Directorate of Inland Water Transport in coordination with the Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society (AIWTDS). The prime objective of the scheme is to work out a hi-tech mechanism to monitor and regulate sailing of country boats.
The Inland Water Transport and AIWTDS will give 70% subsidy to the operators of country boats against the cost of retrofitting and replacement of the existing water pumps or automobile engines by marine engines. Training will be provided to the boat owners on the operation and maintenance of the marine engines and other equipments.
Under the scheme, there will be free commissioning of the improved safety standards by providing safety equipments such as life jackets and life buoys among others. The operators of country boats will be provided firefighting equipment and GPS (Geographical Positioning System) instrument.
On the other hand, the Jibondinga scheme will also cover the vessels. Around 18 vessels of the Inland Water Transport, Assam are currently lying idle due to technical faults. All these vessels will be repaired and used on the Brahmaputra.