The District administration, Police as well as Civil had recently visited Dubare and ordered all raft operators to get themselves registered and licensed. Even two weeks after the deadline set by the district administration has expired, illegal operators are ruling the roost at Dubare.
A licensed operator (there are only two) speaking to Coffeeland News said that 90 percent of raft operators operate substandard and damaged rafts, secondly all the safety equipment provided are either second hand or cheap imitations thus putting the paying customers to grave risk.
The specifications for safety gear of operators as well as customers is very explicit.
But most operators by flouting basics safety rules in an attempt to make a quick buck, are putting the lives of tourists in grave danger.
The recent statement of a former MLC, that all rafts should be operated by Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) has also drawn flak from licensed operators who claim that the boats operated by the JLR are not licensed nor are their operators trained, so how will quality and safe service be provided by JLR ?
The district administration must step in and ensure compliance of all safety regulations failing which disaster is just around the next rapid.
