Bargi dam tragedy: MP tourism launched cruise despite high-wind forecast

JABALPUR/BHOPAL: Ignored wind warnings came under sharp scrutiny after the death toll in the Bargi dam cruise disaster rose to 11 on Saturday, with rescuers retrieving two more bodies — both children — from the reservoir in central MP.

The sinking has become a wellspring of criticism after officials revealed that the cruise, operated by MP Tourism, was launched on Thursday evening despite forecasts of winds touching 50kmph — far above the 25-30kmph ceiling recommended for water sports. Wind speeds were later estimated to have surged to nearly 74kmph.



Safety practices elsewhere in the state appeared to dovetail with those guidelines. Water sports at Lower Lake in Bhopal were suspended the same day due to strong wind alerts. National water sports coach Mayank Thakur said he hedged a bit below official thresholds, halting operations even at 20-22kmph. “The life of every single athlete is precious,” he said.

Prashant Kushwaha, linked to International Canoe Federation, underscored that no warnings from meteorological authorities were taken lightly. “If wind speeds exceed safety standards, we prohibit launching of boats,” he said.

Accounts from within the tourism department alleged a pattern of neglect. An employee said weather inputs were often not consulted before launching boats.

Attempts to reach senior officials drew no response.

The latest victims, identified as Viraj Soni (4) and Tamil (5), were pulled out of the reservoir at Bargi Dam.

Six members of the Soni family from Darhai village had been on board the ship. Four survived. The body of Viraj’s mother, Nisha, was found earlier. Tamil had been on the cruise with his father and cousin. Both are still missing.

Bargi sub-divisional police officer Anjul Ayank Mishra confirmed the recoveries, taking the toll to eight women and three children.

Four people remain missing as search operations entered a third day. More than 200 personnel from police, SDRF, NDRF and the Army continued combing the waters, battling strong winds and poor visibility.

Investigators said 43 people boarded the cruise, according to CCTV footage at the entry point. Twenty-eight were rescued the same night. Rescue teams retrieved four bodies on Thursday, and five and two the following days.

Authorities said the search would continue until all passengers were accounted for.