Private boat service across Godavari to Purushottampuri temple suspended by Jalna district administration

​​​Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A day after two women devotees when a private boat capsized near Golegaon in Partur taluka, the Jalna district officials have suspended all private boating services on the affected stretch of the Godavari river, citing safety concerns.

Partur tehsildar D N Jadhav said strict orders have been issued to halt unsafe operations. “Unlicenced, illegal, or unsafe boats used for passenger transport have been completely stopped. Immediate action will be taken against those responsible if such boats are found,” he said.

The suspension will continue until a formal standard operating procedure (SOP) governing boating and devotee movement to Purushottampuri temple and surrounding areas is put in place, the officials said.

The administration has also launched awareness measures, urging devotees to avoid river travel and rely on safer alternatives.

Authorities have begun diverting pilgrims to road routes to prevent further incidents. “Devotees now need to undertake a road journey of only around 15km to reach the temple and nearby areas. It is a safer mode of transportation in comparison to river transportation,” Jadhav said.

Police deployment will be increased along the riverbanks to regulate crowds and enforce safety norms, while volunteers will be stationed to guide visitors and assist with crowd management.

Despite the fatal accident, no offence had been registered by either Jalna or Beed police nearly a day later. Revenue officials said a joint team will visit the site to demarcate the inter-district boundary along the river stretch.

“A team including officials from the superintendent of land records office will inspect the site to determine the exact boundary,” a senior revenue officer said.

In charge of the Ashti police station Ganesh Surwase said jurisdiction remains under review. “No formal complaint has been received so far. Either Jalna or Beed police will register a suo motu case soon,” he said, adding that tools like Google Maps are being used to assess jurisdiction.

Personnel of the Majalgaon police, in Beed district, could not be reached for their comments.

The incident comes amid a surge in footfall at the Lord Purushottam temple during Adhik Maas.