Shimla, May 3 -- Mandatory life jackets, trained boat operators, certified instructors, lifeguards and multilingual warning boards - the Bilaspur administration has made these non-negotiable for all water-based activities with immediate effect.

Taking serious note of recent boat tragedies in Mathura and Jabalpur that claimed over 20 lives, the district administration has made it clear that any safety lapse will invite strict penal action.

In Bilaspur district, where boat operations, water sports, tourism activities and ferry services are conducted on a large scale at Govind Sagar Lake and the Kol Dam reservoir, the move is aimed at tightening regulation and preventing any repeat of such tragedies.

Deputy commissioner and chairperson of...