Morung Express News Dimapur | July 13 Makeshift rubber tube ferries transporting commuters across the Chathe River following the collapse of the bridge on July 11 has been prohibited from operating. People, mostly young boys, began operating makeshift ferries made out of tyre tubes since July 12 charging Rs. 20 per person for using the service. The Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation (DNYO) informed that the ferry operators were asked to stop from today on grounds of safety. The DNYO said that the water current is too strong at present and would endanger the lives of the commuters as well as the operators, who used no safety equipments such as life-jacket. “We understand it was very helpful but taking into consideration the safety aspect we stopped it,” said the DNYO president. With that stopped, the DNYO added that Diphupar village is mulling over ways and means to arrange safer alternatives as the proposed new bridge would take years to build. The alternative plans include temporary hanging bridge and rafts, if possible. Dimapur DC issues prohibitory orders The Dimapur Deputy Commissioner has issued an order prohibiting any business which involves providing raw makeshift carriers to ferry people across the Chathe River, following the collapse of the iron girder bridge there. The DC’s order informed that some persons are indulging in such activities, cautioning that this mode of carrying people across is found to be extremely hazardous and risky. The order restricted any person from undertaking any such form of business with immediate effect and informed the public not to avail any such services. Meanwhile, the Dimapur District Administration led by DC Kesonyu Yhome held an emergency meeting with DDMA members Dimapur on July 13 in the Conference Hall of DC, wherein pertinent issues were discussed in view of the recent incident regarding collapse of bridge near CIHSR Hospital and flood at Yeveto village. This was stated in a news report issued by DPRO Dimapur.'
