Varanasi, March 20 -- A day after the city police made boat registration mandatory, boatmen operating on the Ganga in Varanasi have decided to comply with the directive and begin the registration process with the transport department. The decision follows instructions issued by commissioner of police Mohit Agarwal, who stated that no unregistered boat would be allowed to operate from next week. Pramod Manjhi, a senior office bearer of Maa Ganga Nishadraj Seva Nyas, said the boatmen's community would fully cooperate with the administration. "All boatmen will get their boats registered with the transport department. The police administration has already informed us about the requirement," he said. Manjhi also urged authorities to organise registration camps at two ghats to facilitate the process for boat operators. Currently, over 1,200 boats operate on the Ganga in Varanasi. Boat registrations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Earlier, the Varanasi Nagar Nigam handled registrations, but since January, the responsibility has been transferred to the transport department. During a meeting held on Wednesday with boatmen, the police commissioner outlined strict operational guidelines. He reiterated that from next week, registration would be compulsory and unregistered boats would be barred from operating. The commissioner also instructed boatmen to treat devotees respectfully and avoid charging fares beyond prescribed rates. Boat operators were directed to ensure that no passenger boards a boat without wearing a life jacket, and that overloading is strictly prohibited. Authorities warned that violations would invite penalties, including fines, impoundment of boats, and legal action....