Question : Formal Safety Assessment

(a) whether the Government has conducted a Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) or any other assessment to assess the safety parameters on 111 National Waterways which are being developed as part of integrated water transport system in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government proposes to make registration of inland vessels mandatory and enforce minimum construction standards to avoid incidents of boat capsizing;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?

(a) & (b): Development work is undertaken on National Waterways based on feasibility studies and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) which includes safety aspects. Further, the Inland Vessels Act, 1917, implemented by the respective State Governments, provides for safety compliances for transportation of cargo and passengers.
(c) to (e): The registration and survey of mechanically propelled inland vessels is mandatory under the Inland Vessels Act, 1917. This law prescribes compliance requirements for life saving appliances, communication and navigation apparatus to be installed on board inland mechanically propelled vessels.
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