Boating on the Ganga River in Varanasi is prohibited after 8:30 PM

Varanasi, May 2: Boating on River Ganga in Varanasi has been banned after 8.30 pm, officials said.

The decision has been taken keeping the safety of the tourists in mind, said Mithilesh Yadav, chief of water police.

According to the responsible water police, the number of drowning incidents increased in May and June.

For the safety of tourists and visitors, security has been increased in the Ganga by the Jal police and arrangements have been made to increase vigilance on weekends.

Yadav added that four teams, including two from the NDRF and two from the Water Police on two boats, have been deployed to maintain a vigil on the Ganga.

In addition, a boat crew and three security personnel have been deployed.

Yadav said the decision to restrict the operation of the boats after 8.30 pm was taken with the consent of the boating community.

If a boat is found operating after 8:30 PM, the boat will be seized and an FIR will be registered against the sailor. Action will also be taken to revoke the boat’s permit.

This step is being taken due to the continuous increase in tourists in Kashi.

After 8:30 PM, a monitoring team will warn the sailors via loud megaphones.