August 08, 2008	Friday	Sha’aban 5, 1429

MUZAFFARGARH, Aug 7: Illegal boating continues without check at the Chenab Park river – an attraction for picnickers from many southern districts.

The Muzaffargarh district government has failed to ensure implementation of ban it had imposed on boating in the wake of accidental deaths. On Aug 14 last, a boat capsized in the river as a result of which eight merry-makers met the watery grave.

The officials concerned registered an FIR against the boat operators and, thereafter, slapped ban on the sport.

A visit to the spot revealed that boats were being operated in violation of the ban and the menace of overloading – the cause of tragedies in most cases – continues to thrive. Upon an inquiry, a boatman told this correspondent that boating was going on in connivance with local politicians.

He said many aspirants in Feb 18 general election came to them to demand votes and promised the fishermen and boatmen to let them operate after getting into power. He, however, denied overloading and said it was the sole source of income for boatmen.

MPA Sardar Irshad Ahmad Sial, when contacted for version, denied having any role in permitting boatmen to continue business. He said the district administration and civil defence were responsible for the illegal practice.

District Officer (Revenue) Ashraf Yusufi said the government would take action against the ban violators.