Three days after the Bargi Dam accident, concerns over boating safety persist at Bhopal’s Upper Lake. On Sunday, despite strong winds, large crowds gathered at the Boat Club due to the holiday and pleasant weather, and at least 10 boats ventured into the lake around 5:30 pm. During this time, a pedal boat broke down mid-lake, causing panic among a man and a woman on board. A boatman later reached them and shifted them to another boat in the middle of the water. Wind speeds were around 32 kmph, more than double the normal, heightening the risk of an accident. Around 30 private boats are currently operating on the lake, but the municipal corporation has not issued or renewed licences for any of them this year. When questioned, Executive Engineer Pramod Malviya said no licences had been renewed, distancing the department from responsibility. Tourism Corporation says, ‘These are not our boats.’ Municipal Corporation says, ‘We have not issued licences.’ Question: If the responsibility for safety lies with the Municipal Corporation, why are inspections and action not being carried out? Poor condition of life jackets At the Boat Club, tickets and life jackets are mandatory on Tourism Corporation boats. However, around 30 private boats are also operating, where people are taken on lake rides without life jackets or minimum safety arrangements. The life jackets being provided are in poor condition; many have no hooks or have broken belts. In such a situation, if an accident occurs, the jackets may come off first. Responsibility lies with the Corporation, but negligence persists The Municipal Corporation is responsible for issuing licences to private boats and ensuring safety arrangements. However, neither staff nor officials conduct regular inspections. This year, no private boat license has been renewed. Boats running without licenses will be confiscated, investigated, and security will be ensured. -Pramod Malviya, Executive Engineer, Municipal Corporation Post navigation Tractor hits bike, iron rod pierces rider’s abdomen:Intestines came out; locals rush him to hospital Indore water crisis deepens:Narmada level falls at Jalud, supply drops from 436 to 320 MLD; dependency on tankers rises
