The Madhya Pradesh government has initiated a judicial inquiry into the recent cruise accident at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, where 13 lives were lost. Retired High Court Justice Sanjay Dwivedi will lead a one-member inquiry commission established by the state administration. The commission’s primary task is to thoroughly investigate the incident and present its findings to the government within three months.
The inquiry commission, as per a notification by the General Administration Department under Additional Secretary Dinesh Kumar Maurya, is responsible for determining the exact causes of the accident. It will also assess the accountability of individuals and officials whose negligence may have contributed to the tragedy. Additionally, the commission will evaluate the effectiveness of the rescue and relief operations conducted during and immediately after the mishap.
Apart from investigating the Bargi Dam incident, the commission has been authorized by the state government to conduct a comprehensive audit of all boats, cruises, and water sports activities operating in Madhya Pradesh. This safety audit aims to ensure compliance with the certification and safety protocols mandated by the Inland Vessels Act of 2021 and the Boat Safety Guidelines of 2017. The long-term objective is to establish a standardized operating procedure for all water-based recreational activities in the state to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Following the formation of a four-member committee tasked with submitting initial findings within 15 days, this judicial probe was initiated. Initial investigations have indicated significant negligence at various administrative levels, leading to the tragic loss of lives, including eight women, four children, and one man. The commission is required to conclude its investigation and present the final report within 90 days of the notification’s publication in the Madhya Pradesh Gazette, ensuring a timely pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
