Chilika boat tragedy: Probe team rules out technical glitches

Khurdha: Inland Water Transport Directorate (IWTD) executive engineer heading the team constituted to probe the Chilika boat tragedy today ruled out technical glitches behind the boat capsize that claimed six lives on June 16.

Executive engineer, Padmalochan Roul claimed that heavy rain accompanied with rough wind led to the mishap.

A seven-member team was constituted to probe under what circumstances the boat capsized in Chilika Lake. The team comprising IWTD officials, sub-Collector and BDO had carried out a fitness inspection of the boat that had met with the accident, informed sources.

On the other hand, Khurdha Collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra said "As per the CM's announcement, we sanctioned a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased yesterday. The money was released today. Besides, steps are afoot to ensure safety of visitors at the lake. Fitness and license of boats are being inspected now."

Earlier, Odisha Transport Minister, Nrusingha Charan Sahu had informed that the director of ports has been asked to conduct a detailed investigation and submit report based on which appropriate measures will be taken by the government to ensure such incidents do not recur.

At least six persons were killed after a country boat capsized in Chilika Lake following a thunderstorm on June 16.