Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jul 17: The Coastal Security Police have directed all water sports and boating operators functioning within their jurisdiction to obtain the required licences within the stipulated time, warning that strict legal action will be initiated against violators.
The warning comes in the wake of the tragic boat accident that occurred on January 26 near Kodibengre Delta Beach.
According to the police, around 28 tourists had set out from Kodibengre Delta Beach to visit the Padukere ‘Dawn View’ point in two boats owned by Suhas and Sufiyan. While returning, one of the boats capsized in rough sea conditions near Delta Beach Cross in Kanyana village, resulting in the deaths of Sindhu and Shankarappa.
Following the incident, a case was registered at Kota Police Station. The investigation has since been completed, and a charge sheet has been filed against three accused before the competent court.
Police stated that operating water sports activities within the Coastal Security Police limits requires mandatory permissions from various government departments. Earlier, there were 227 registered water sports boat owners, of whom only 42 possessed valid licences, while 185 operators had not obtained the necessary permissions.
To improve compliance, meetings were conducted with boat owners and operators across all nine Coastal Security Police Stations, during which they were informed about the legal requirements and safety measures. Following these meetings, the number of licensed operators has increased significantly, with 151 of the 227 boat owners having now obtained the required licences.
However, 76 boat owners have yet to renew their licences. Although sufficient time has already been granted for renewal, the police said no information has been received from the concerned operators regarding the completion of the renewal process.
The Coastal Security Police have therefore instructed all boat owners engaged in water sports and boating activities to obtain or renew their licences within the prescribed deadline before commencing operations. They warned that any failure to comply would invite legal action, and the concerned boat owners would be held responsible for any mishaps arising from unauthorized operations.