20-year-old cruise gets clean chit in Jabalpur tragedy:Tourism body says life jackets not compulsory; guidelines overlooked

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Corporation has given a clean chit to the 20-year-old cruise involved in the Bargi Dam tragedy in Jabalpur, where 13 people lost their lives. Officials have attributed the accident primarily to a sudden storm. Amid questions over safety lapses, the corporation said wearing life jackets is not mandatory, drawing criticism. It also emerged that standard water sports safety guidelines were not fully followed. The cruise, operational since 2006, had completed nearly two decades of service. Corporation advisor Rajendra Nigam stated that both engines were replaced a few months ago, extending the vessel’s operational life by another 10 years. He maintained that there was no technical fault in the cruise. To prevent similar incidents, the corporation said it will strengthen weather forecasting systems. Defending safety practices, the advisor cited examples from Goa and international cruises, saying life jackets are available there as well, but tourists often choose not to wear them during rides. Safety parameters clearly defined in guidelines Based on safety standards, wearing a life jacket is mandatory as soon as one boards a cruise or boat. The parameters set in the guidelines by the National Institute of Water Sports are clear, which includes life jackets as well. However, amidst all this, an investigation committee has been formed following CM Dr. Mohan Yadav’s orders. Action has been taken against 6 employees. The cruise was serviced two years ago The advisor corporation states that the lifespan of a Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) cruise is 20 to 25 years. It is considered the safest among other cruises. This cruise that sank in Bargi Dam had undergone overall servicing two years ago. They were also following the norms of the International Maritime Organization. According to the corporation, the cruise had third-party insurance. This also includes insurance for passengers. Boats operating despite NGT orders? The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Corporation has defended cruise operations, citing provisions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order. Corporation advisor Rajendra Nigam said paragraphs 130 and 131 restrict motorboat operations in Bhopal and at the Ramsar site in Shivpuri, while allowing four-stroke engine boats elsewhere. He added that such boats are used in 36 countries worldwide and are not being operated in Bhopal or Shivpuri. However, environmental expert and Bhopal-based petitioner Subhash C. Pandey has disputed this interpretation. He said the NGT has prohibited motorboats in all water bodies used for drinking purposes. Since Bargi Dam supplies drinking water, he argued that operating a cruise there violates the order. Complete responsibility of the storm? Despite being completely technically sound, the cruise sank in the dam? On this question, Advisor Nigam says that there are 16 boat clubs in the state. In 18 years, there has not been a single accident anywhere. The cruise could not stabilize due to the sudden storm at Bargi Dam and capsized. To prevent this from happening again, we are preparing a new system. Wherever there are boat clubs, we will create local heads for weather forecast. We are talking to corporation officers for this. Investigation committee formed, action taken against 5 so far After the accident, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav had conducted an inspection. He also met with the families of the deceased. After the CM’s visit, the government took action in the cruise matter. In which cruise pilot Mahesh Patel, cruise helper Chhotelal Gond and ticket counter in-charge Brijendra’s services were terminated with immediate effect. Meanwhile, Suneel Maravi, manager of Hotel Mackal Resort and Boat Club Bargi, was suspended for negligence in work. Regional Manager Sanjay Malhotra has been attached to headquarters and a departmental inquiry has been initiated. On the other hand, a committee has also been formed, which is investigating the main cause of the accident.