Bhopal: At least nine people have died in the Bargi Dam boat accident in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur after a tourism department cruise vessel capsized during a sudden storm, prompting the state government to sack key staff and order a detailed probe.
The Madhya Pradesh government on Friday dismissed the cruise pilot Mahesh Patel, helper Chhotelal Gond and ticket counter in-charge Brijendra over alleged negligence in the Jabalpur boat capsizing incident. Officials said strict action was taken against those responsible for safety lapses in the Bargi Dam tragedy.
The accident occurred on Thursday evening on the Narmada River when strong winds and rough weather caused the tourist boat to overturn. While 28 passengers were rescued, search operations are ongoing for six missing persons.
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Army are continuing search efforts in the Bargi Dam reservoir.
Negligence, no life jackets, overcrowding allegations
Survivors of the Madhya Pradesh boat accident have flagged major safety violations, including failure to enforce life jacket use. Passengers said life jackets were not provided before departure and were distributed only after the boat started taking in water, leading to panic.
Eyewitnesses said tourists had warned the crew to return to shore as weather conditions worsened, but the boat continued moving before capsizing.
Some survivors also alleged overcrowding in the cruise boat, claiming nearly 40 people were onboard, including children without tickets, though officials said 29 passengers were registered.
Opposition leaders have criticised the tourism department, alleging the absence of basic weather monitoring systems on the vessel.
Action taken and future safety measures
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the state has taken strict action following the Jabalpur boat tragedy and assured accountability. The government has temporarily banned similar cruise operations in Madhya Pradesh.
A departmental inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the Bargi Dam capsizing, including weather conditions and operational lapses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the MP boat accident and announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Authorities said stricter boating safety rules, mandatory life jackets, and improved weather alert systems will be implemented to prevent future boat accidents in Madhya Pradesh.
With PTI inputs