MP: Judicial Panel Formed To Probe Bargi Dam Boat Tragedy

The one-man judicial panel will be headed by retired judge of the high court Sanjay Dwivedy, an official notification issued here late on Sunday night said.

The commission has been asked to submit its report within three months.

As per the terms of reference of the commission, set by the state government, the panel would investigate into the causes of the mishap, examine whether rescue and relief measures were properly undertaken and fix accountability for the accident.

The commission will also make provisions for the audit and certification of boats, cruise and water sports activities under the Inland Vessel Act, 2021 and NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) Boat Safety Guidelines, 2017.

Additionally, the panel will make Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the operation and maintenance of boats, cruise and water sports activities and for the formation of quick response teams at places where such activities are held.

The cruise vessel, operated by the Madhya Pradesh tourism department, sank in the Bargi Dam built over Narmada after being hit by a storm on the fateful day.

Bodies of 13 tourists on board the ill-fated passenger boat were recovered from the reservoir over four days.

A heart-wrenching sight of twin bodies, a mother clutching her hands tightly to her four-year-old son, had moved the rescuers and the survivors when they were removed from the sunken boat.

The pilot of the boat who allegedly jumped off the boat, when it was sinking, along with the helper were sacked from their service following the incident.

A senior tourism officer was also placed under suspension in the wake of the tragedy.