Boat operation in Fewatal with health protocols

Kathmandu. The boat has been re-opened at the tourist destination-Fewatal-in Pokhara. The boat business, which was closed on April 29 due to prohibitory orders following the second wave of coronavirus infection, has resumed operations on Monday.

Boat traders who stayed at home due to the ban have been seen enthusiastically after the resumption of business. Mangal Nepali, the vice-chairman of the Phewa Boat Entrepreneurs Committee, said that the boat business was started in coordination with the administration, and masks were made mandatory for passengers.

He informed that the operation was carried out by placing four people in a 20-foot boat and three people in an 18-foot boat to avoid congestion. Earlier, it was kept up to eight or nine people. He said, “Due to the low pressure of passengers, only eight to nine boats are in operation daily”.

The famous Talabarahi temple has not been opened even though boats are operating in the lake. Even the daily evening prayers at the temple are now closed. Tourists boarding the boat are brought around the temple.

There are 764 boats in Fewatal and only 300 at Barahighat. The committee has stated that a small number of boats have been brought into operation in the queue system as the ban is still in force and the tourism business is still stalled.

Laxman Pariyar, a worker of Pokhara Metropolitan City-18, Sarangkot, who has been operating a boat in Fewatala for nine years, said that he was in trouble due to the ban and was excited after starting his business.

He said that those who do not wear masks are barred from boarding the boat as it is a challenge to avoid corona infection. “Corona has never been in such a crisis, we are excited about the gradual increase in activity,” Pariyar said.

Another boatman, Baburam Puri, said that there was a problem in raising a family due to the ban. It is believed that the tourism business will return to its previous state.

Stating that they are also vigilant to avoid possible infections, he said that masks are being put on; sanitizing and tourists are also being urged to follow the health standards.