Tourists stranded in ‘Ill-maintained’ boat during leisure trip in Odisha 

A maintenance-related issue led to a distressing incident for 18 tourists when their boat stalled mid-journey at the Muran Reservoir within the Dandabada Ecopark in Koraput district. This unsettling experience occurred around 3 pm yesterday. 

As per reports, 18 tourists were enjoying their boat ride at Muran Reservoir on the occasion of New Year's Day. It was around 3 pm when the boat developed some technical problems stranding the tourists. 

While the tourists who were enjoying their ride a few moments ago were reportedly in fear. Their relatives on the bank of the reservoir were a worried lot. 

However, the boat resumed the trip after necessary repair was carried out. 

Also Read: Boat capsize: Bodies of missing couple found in Koraput reservoir

It was also alleged that the boat, with a capacity for up to 20 individuals, was only equipped with eight life jackets, markedly insufficient for the number of passengers aboard. Such deficiencies underscored the need for stringent adherence to safety guidelines to avert potential hazards.

The incident not only disrupted the leisure trip for those on board but also brought to light critical safety oversight issues at the Ecopark. This occurrence serves as a reminder for authorities to amplify the scrutiny of operational and safety measures governing recreational facilities.

Notably, on December 1, a couple from Jabagada village met their watery grave when the boat carrying them capsized at the Jalaput reservoir in Koraput district. The deceased Krushna Padiki and his wife Pratima Padiki were returning home from their farmland and were crossing the reservoir when the mishap occurred.