The sensational capsize of a mechanized country boat, commonly called bhutbhuti carrying 40 passengers near the Aswaklanta Temple in the middle of Brahmaputa and the tragedy involving the family of Guwahati based businessman Haren Bora at Dikhow River in Sivasagar district has sent shock waves among the residents of Majuli in Assam.
Also read: ASTC buses pressed into service in North Guwahati post tragedy
Notably, hundreds of residents of Majuli, the river island district of Assam avail similar mechanized country boat to ferry to commute between the mainland and Majuli almost every day.
Locals of Majuli have alleged that similar tragedy like the one that took place in North Guwahati on Wednesday can happen any time in the Majuli sector.
They have alleged that overcrowding of passengers in a normal phenomemon in Majuli where similar mechanized country boats are over loaded with bikes and people.
The residents of Majuli alleged that the recent induction of ferries is not sufficient enough to cater to the growing needs of over two lakh commuters of the river island district.
Notably, four ferries have been recently inducted into the inland transport department of Majuli which were ceremonially flagged off by State Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently.
However, ironically two of them developed manufacturing defect just two days after induction and had to be anchored.
On Thursday, locals as well as several organizations have urged the Majuli district administration to take matters seriously to avoid Guwahati like tragedy in future.