Majuli Bans All River Transport to Prevent COVID-19 Spread

GUWAHATI: In an order issued by the Majuli District Administration on March 20, it has been ordered that the plying of all Ferries and Country Boats and any other means of water transport except emergency services connecting to Majuli have been barred from plying to and from Majuli.

As such all kinds of water transport will be barred starting from the March 21 as a measure to combat the spread of novel COVID-19 virus in the riverine island.

The order further stated that in case of any emergency, patient and their family are to contact the District Administration and District Disaster Management Authority, Majuli. Boat ambulances across the river would however continue. 

Any violation in this regard will be prosecuted as per DDMA Act, 2005, Epidemic Disaster Act, 1897 and other relevant orders and rules including section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

Meanwhile, reportedly ferry services in Guwahati are still operating for the benefit of office goers. However, screening desks have been set up at the ghats to scan for any probable case.