Jabalpur: The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a judicial inquiry into the tragic cruise boat accident at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur that claimed 13 lives last month, with the panel expected to submit its findings within three months.
The decision was taken to ensure a detailed and impartial investigation into the April 30 incident, in which a tourism department-operated cruise boat overturned in the reservoir. The mishap resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including women and children, while 28 passengers were safely rescued.
Retired High Court judge Sanjay Dwivedi has been appointed to head the one-member commission tasked with examining every aspect of the tragedy. Officials said the inquiry will focus on identifying the exact cause of the accident and evaluating whether safety protocols, rescue operations and emergency response measures were properly followed.
The panel has also been directed to determine accountability for any negligence linked to the incident.
Beyond establishing responsibility, the commission will recommend measures to strengthen safety standards for inland water tourism across the state. This includes reviewing inspection and certification procedures for boats and cruises under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, and aligning future operations with the National Disaster Management Authority’s boat safety norms.
The inquiry will also suggest detailed standard operating procedures for maintenance, operation and emergency handling for cruise services and water sports activities. Authorities are also expected to consider setting up dedicated quick response teams at water tourism sites to deal with emergencies more effectively.
Officials said the report must be submitted within three months from the date of the official notification published in the state gazette.
The government’s move to appoint a judicial commission is being viewed as an effort to ensure transparency and restore public confidence, as such investigations are generally seen as more independent and credible than routine departmental probes.
