Bargi Cruise Accident: Madhya Pradesh government orders judicial inquiry, retired Justice Sanjay Dwivedi will investigate, will present report in 3 months

Taking the cruise accident at Bargi Dam seriously, the Madhya Pradesh government has issued orders for a judicial inquiry into it. Since this incident, amid questions being raised regarding water safety and operational standards, the state government has constituted a single-member inquiry commission under the chairmanship of retired Justice Sanjay Dwivedi of Madhya Pradesh High Court. This step is being considered an important initiative towards ensuring the safety of water transport and tourism related activities in the state.

The General Administration Department of the State Government has issued a notification regarding the judicial inquiry into the Bargi Dam cruise accident. According to the notification, this commission constituted under the chairmanship of retired Justice Sanjay Dwivedi will complete its investigation within three months from the date of publication in the Madhya Pradesh Gazette and submit a detailed report to the state government. This time limit has been fixed with the aim of expediting the investigation process and bringing out the facts as soon as possible.

Investigation will be done on the basis of five points

Five major points have been set for the Judicial Commission’s investigation into the Bargi Dam cruise accident, which clarify the scope and direction of the investigation. These points are designed to take an in-depth look at various aspects of the accident and future safety arrangements:

1. Investigating the causes of the accident and determining responsibility: The primary objective of the commission is to investigate in depth the root causes of the accident. In this, the role of technical malfunction, human error, violation of security protocols or any other factor will be reviewed. Along with this, the responsibility of the persons or institutions responsible for the accident will also be clearly determined so that recurrence of such incidents can be prevented in future. This investigation will ensure that appropriate action is taken against those who are negligent and accountability is fixed.

2. Review of the adequacy of rescue measures and relief operations taken during and after the accident: The inquiry commission will also assess the effectiveness of the rescue and relief operations carried out during and after the accident. It will look at how quick and efficient the emergency response was, whether the available resources were adequate, and whether the injured received appropriate assistance in a timely manner. The objective of this review is to develop better response mechanisms for future disasters and address the shortcomings of emergency services.

3. Arrangements for audit of all boats, cruise and water sports activities operated in the state and certification of vessels as per the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 and NDMA Boat Safety Guidelines, 2017: This point is an important step towards ensuring the safety of water transport and recreational activities across the state. The Commission will conduct a comprehensive audit of all operated boats, cruises and water sports activities. In this, the system of certification of vessels will be specifically reviewed in accordance with the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 and the Boat Safety Guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 2017 (NDMA Boat Safety Guidelines, 2017). Its aim is to ensure that no vessel operates without proper safety standards and certification, keeping the safety of passengers paramount.

4. To prepare a uniform Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for operation and maintenance of cruise, boats and water sports activities in the state: Currently, there is a disparity in security due to different rules and regulations at different places. An important function of the Commission is to prepare a unified and uniform Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the operation and maintenance of water transport and recreational activities. This SOP will standardize safety protocols, crew training, passenger capacity, maintenance schedules and emergency procedures, thereby enhancing water safety and uniformity across the state.

5. Arrangements for formation of quick response teams at all such places where civil water transport, boats, cruises and water sports activities are being conducted: The Commission will consider the need for formation of Quick Response Team (QRT) at all places where civil water transport, boats, cruise and water sports activities operate. These teams will play an important role in providing immediate assistance and saving lives in emergency situations. The formation of QRT will ensure that in the event of any accident, effective rescue operations can be initiated without any delay, thereby reducing loss of life and property and establishing better coordination in emergency situations.

This judicial inquiry will prove to be an important step towards strengthening water safety standards in the state and preventing such tragic incidents in future. The State Government is committed to implement necessary reforms and policies based on the report of this Commission to ensure the safety of the public and make water tourism safe.