Country boats banned in Godavari at Basar after tragic drownings

After five devotees drowned near Basar, authorities banned country boats on the Godavari and restricted holy dips to government-approved ghats. Officials pledged strict enforcement and safety measures to prevent future tragedies in the sacred temple town

Nirmal: In the wake of multiple drowning incidents, including the recent tragedy that claimed five lives, authorities have banned the operation of country boats in the Godavari River near the Basar temple town.

Bhainsa Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Komal Reddy issued orders on Monday prohibiting the use of country boats in the river.

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Meanwhile, Nirmal Collector Abhilasha Abhinav said that taking a holy dip would only be permitted at designated bathing ghats developed by the government. “Bathing at any other location in the river is strictly prohibited, and the restrictions will be implemented without exception,” she said. She also assured that necessary measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The decision comes a day after five young devotees from Hyderabad, including three siblings, drowned while taking a holy dip in the river near Basar.