Uran: With thousands of devotees and tourists expected to visit the world-famous Gharapuri Island on Mahashivratri, Wednesday, 26th February, authorities have implemented strict safety measures to ensure smooth and secure travel. In response to a request from Uran Tehsildar Dr. Uddhav Kadam, ONGC has provided 1,000 life jackets from its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund.

Additionally, a standardised one-way fare of Rs. 65 has been introduced for boat travel, and stringent action has been ordered against launch operators exceeding passenger limits.

Gharapuri Island, home to the renowned Elephanta Caves, attracts a massive influx of visitors on Mahashivratri, including both domestic and international tourists. Due to the presence of foreign visitors, the festival is often referred to as “Global Mahashivratri.” Boat services operate under the supervision of the Port Department from Gateway of India, JNPA, Uran-Mora, and Nhava ports to facilitate travel.

The increased safety measures follow the tragic Nilkamal boat accident on 18th December, in which 15 tourists lost their lives on the Gateway of India-Elephanta route.

In light of this, Uran Tehsildar Dr. Uddhav Kadam initiated a request for life jackets to ensure the safety of devotees and tourists. Taking note of this, ONGC provided 1,000 life jackets, which were handed over to Sub-Divisional Officer Pawan Chandak and Tehsildar Dr Kadam on Friday.

These jackets will be distributed to the Port Department for use by passengers travelling by sea.

To further strengthen security, an urgent meeting was convened on Saturday, 22nd February, on Gharapuri Island. The meeting was attended by Senior Police Inspector Suryakant Kamble of Mora Marine Police Station, Port Department Officer Mohan Karangude, representatives of the Elephanta Gateway Water Transport Association, officials from the Archaeological Department, Gharapuri Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Meena Bhoir, Deputy Sarpanch Baliram Thakur, local villagers, boat operators, and security personnel.

During the meeting, it was decided that a one-way fare of ₹65 would be enforced to prevent overcharging of devotees travelling on the Mora-Gharapuri (Rajbandar) sea route. Authorities also emphasised that no boat should carry more than 150 passengers at a time.

Devotees have been urged to avoid overcrowding and cooperate with personnel from the Civil Security Force, Police Department, Port Department, Gram Panchayat, and Health Department.

Wearing life jackets during boat travel has been made mandatory, and strict action will be taken against launch operators violating safety norms by exceeding passenger limits, Deputy Sarpanch Baliram Thakur warned.

With these measures in place, authorities aim to ensure a safe and hassle-free Mahashivratri celebration for all visitors to Gharapuri Island.