Madhya Pradesh: In a video shot 20 days before the fatal Bargi dam tragedy, senior district officials and elected representatives are said to have convened on the same boat that sank on April 30th.
According to the clip, officials held a general body meeting of the District Panchayat inside the cruise cabin and on the open deck. But what catches an eye is that that not a single official or representative visible in the video appears to be wearing a life jacket.
In the video District Panchayat CEO, Water Corporation Manager, Assistant Director of Fisheries, District Panchayat President, and other District Panchayat members present at the meeting are all seen without safety gears.
The video has raised attack on the governance. It clearly showcases ignorance and recklessness of those entrusted with governance and public safety.
According to eyewitnesses and local accounts, the boat was carrying more than 40 tourists, though it can accommodate only 29 people. Additionally, it is also being said the boat was launched despite an orange alert from the Meteorological Department and warnings of gusty winds reaching up to 50 kmph.
Why has the footage gone viral?
The clip featuring the government officials suggests that the negligence to safety has become a casual approach and has been normalized over time. The sight of them standing on the deck without any safety gear has become the most arguable question: Was it an accident or a result of recklessness.
As many as 13 died and several others were injured in the incident that took place on April 30th. The injured were rushed to the nearby hospitals while those deceased were sent to the government hospital for postmortem.
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