Summary:
VISAKHAPATNAM: The boat, which hit a pillar of an under-construction bridge in river Godavari in East Godavari district on Saturday evening, did not have a valid license from the AP Ports, which is the licensing authority.The incident happened at 19.33hrs on Saturday. Total seven people were feared dead in the mishap, officials say. Nearly 650 boats are yet to register with us,” a senior Ports official said.The boat operators were repeatedly told about the new rule, but they do not approach the Port authorities due to many reasons like unfit conditions of the boat, improper documents. Before that, the state irrigation department used to take care of the issuance of the license.“If any boat operator comes up with valid documents and proper fitness conditions to us, we will be ready to issue the license within two days. All are female..