KARACHI, Aug 27: There is no system of licensing or registration the boats operating in Keenjhar Lake, in district Thatta, where boat mishap and drowning incidents occur most often.

In one of the worst ever incident, as many as 26 people, residents of, drowned recently when their boat capsized due to overcrowding.

The lake is under the control of the provincial irrigation department which has the authority to issues permissions to those willing to operate boats. However, rescue operations and emergencies, including boat operation to deal with emergencies, are the responsibility of the District Police Officer. The provincial tourism department owns only one resort, comprising 24 huts, at the lake. The department has only one telephone for its entire resort and that, too, has been disconnected by the PTCL for certain reasons.

In his written reply to a question by Humera Alwani in Sindh Assembly on Wednesday, Minister for Culture and Tourism Shabbir Qaimkhani said that government intended to introduce a permanent licensing and registration system for operating boats in the lake. In future, it would be ensured that no unlicensed boat operated there.

Since the rural health centre covering the area is far away from the lake, an ambulance service exclusively for the Keenjhar Lake would be established the minister said. Besides, the health department would be requested to set up a health unit/trauma centre at the site. Until the centre is constructed, the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) would offer a suite for the purpose.

The minister further said that two watch towers would be constructed and necessary equipment provided for vigilance around the lake. While the police already have a surveillance boat and two lifeguards, another boat with two lifeguards would be made available.

Sign boards would be erected alongside the lake cautioning visitors and the strength of police force would be increased. Arrangement for civil defence volunteers, especially on holidays, would also be made.—PPI