THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Maritime Board (KSMB) is launching a statewide initiative to eliminate unsafe and unauthorized vessel operations in Kerala’s backwaters and inland waterways. This crackdown will enforce the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, aimed at creating a uniform regulatory framework for safe water transportation. Currently, around 1,500 inland vessels, including houseboats and speedboats, operate in the state.
KSMB Chairman N S Pillai emphasized that this initiative seeks to end illegal inland vessel operations. Dedicated enforcement squads and speedboats for inspections have been established, with plans for surprise checks to seize and destroy illegal vessels. A deadline of July 15 has been set for vessel owners to apply for mandatory registration. Pillai warned that non-compliance would lead to confiscation and destruction of vessels failing to meet safety standards.
The enforcement drive responds to rising concerns over unregistered and unsafe boats, particularly in Alappuzha, a key backwater tourism hub. Alappuzha currently has 821 registered houseboats and numerous other vessels, many of which are unregistered. Port Officer Jismon Jacob stated that strict actions will be taken against violators, marking the first large-scale enforcement effort in the state aimed at reducing pollution from unfit vessels.
