Putting life at risk, many hire boat to cross river

Tribune News Service

Karnal, March 30

Amid the lockdown which was enforced to curtail the spreading of Covid pandemic, several people of UP have been stranded in the villages along the Haryana-UP border. Since all roads are sealed and vehicular activities prohibited, these people have been left in the lurch.

Even after the assurance by the state government of providing lodging and food for the lockdown period, these people are risking their lives to cross the Yamuna and reach their destination.

A sum of Rs 50 is being charged from per person by the boat owner. Boat is being used illegally to ferry these migrants to UP from Mundigarhi village in the district and those stranded in UP to Mundigarhi village back.

Moreover, the boat is jam-packed and is violating all norms of social distancing, posing a serious threat to Covid spread.

The labourers were stuck for the past six days and had no other option but to use boats to reach their destination. “I came here in Mundigarhi for a work but due to lockdown I got stuck. All my works are suffering there in UP so I have no other option but to use the boat,” said a stranded labourer.

Gharaunda MLA Harvinder Kalyan warned of stringent action against the boat owner. Meanwhile, Gharaunda SDM Gaurav Kumar said, “We have impounded the boat and action will be initiated against the boat owner.”