KOCHI: As a huge relief to holiday enthusiasts, the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) has lifted the ban on the tourists boat operators entering the Ernakulam Channel. In the wake of heightened security vigil after Mumbai terror attack, the channel was closed for local tourist boats. The New Indian Express had reported about the sand deposits blocking the alternate routes taken by the tourist boats causing threat to the safety of people, on Wednesday.Now, the tourist boats will be able to ply through the Ernakulam Channel by following the navigation rules set by the authorities. The boats can be subjected to inspection by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), police and other security agencies at any time, said a official report from the Trust. The order signed by Deputy Conservator, Cochin Port Trust, admits noticing that the sand bunds were causing threat to boats and travellers alike.The alternative route of the tourist operators were hit by sand ridges formed due to the unscientific dredging and careless deposition of the sand collected from various routes. Last week, a boat carrying 50 students and other passengers got stuck in the bund. However, they were safely evacuated. This incident created panic and the members of Tourist Boat Association and the Marine Drive Tourist Boat Association were planning a protest in this regard.Five months ago, Marine Drive Tourist Boat Association demanded the revocation of the ban on plying the route and had submitted a request to the District Collector and the Deputy Conservator of the CPT. The Deputy Conservator in-turn passed letter to CISF Commandant. However, the authorities failed to respond then.
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