Home Guard Motorboat Sinks In Narmada River In Jabalpur After Engine Fails, 15 People On Board

MP: The water level of Narmada river has increased due to continuous heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh. There was panic in Jabalpur's Gaurighat on Friday evening when the Home Guard's patrolling motorboat which was patrolling in Narmada overturned due to the strong current. At the time of the accident, 12 Home Guard soldiers including the driver were aboard the boat.

How did the home guard's motorboat overturn?

It is being said that after the opening of 13 sluice gates of Bargi Dam, the flow of water in Narmada had increased considerably. Meanwhile, the Home Guard team was patrolling by motorboat for the safety of the devotees and monitoring the ghat. After reaching the middle of the river, the boat went out of control due to the strong current and capsized within some time.

There was chaos at the spot after the accident. Some soldiers swam out safely, while other soldiers were pulled out by local sailors and divers with the help of their boats. The police team also reached the spot and conducted the rescue operation.

Were there more soldiers on board the motorboat than its capacity?

After the accident, questions are also being raised about the efficiency of the motorboat. According to the information, the motorboat in which the soldiers were patrolling had a seating capacity of about four to five people. Despite this, 12 Home Guard soldiers including the driver were on board.

It is being told that there was not enough seating arrangement in this boat. Despite this, soldiers were sent for patrolling in the fast flowing Narmada river. Due to this, questions have been raised on the security arrangements.

Did the difficulty increase due to engine failure?

According to direct information, the engine of the motorboat had broken down in the middle of the river. After this, it became difficult to control the boat in the strong current and it overturned. After the engine malfunction came to light, questions have also started being raised regarding the technical fitness and regular checks of the motorboat.

However, it was a matter of relief that except the driver, all the soldiers were wearing life jackets. Due to this, a major accident was averted and all the soldiers were taken out safely.

Did the driver's negligence also become the reason for the accident?

Questions are also being raised on the role of the driver after the accident. Despite the strong current, it has come to light that patrolling in the river is done with more soldiers than the capacity. Now it is a matter of investigation whether the technical condition of the motorboat and the flow of the river were adequately assessed before leaving it or not.

Home Guard Commandant Neeraj Singh has said that the matter will be investigated. Only after investigation will it be clear whether the accident occurred due to technical fault, strong current, overcrowding or any other negligence.

Did this accident remind us of the Bargi Dam cruise accident?

This incident in Gaurighat reminded us of the cruise accident that happened at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur. There were 32 people on board during the cruise accident at Bargi Dam on the evening of 30 April. Initially, the news of death of nine people was revealed in the accident. After a three-day search operation, the death toll had risen to 13, while others were rescued safely.

A one-member commission is currently investigating this old accident. In such a situation, the incident of capsizing of Home Guard patrolling boat in Narmada has once again raised serious questions regarding the security arrangements in the river and reservoirs.