Vrindavan Today | Bureau Report
29th June, Vrindavan: A high-level team from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) visited Keshi Ghat in Vrindavan on Monday to investigate the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of 16 pilgrims from Ludhiana on April 16 this year. The inquiry was undertaken following directions from the Central Government.
The NDMA team carried out a detailed inspection of the accident site and examined various aspects of the tragedy. Officials from the local administration and the Municipal Corporation were questioned extensively about the circumstances leading to the accident.
The team surveyed the stretch of the Yamuna River aboard a motorboat to assess the river’s depth, water current, and navigational conditions. They also interacted with local divers who had participated in the rescue operation on the day of the tragedy. The divers shared first-hand accounts of the incident and highlighted several shortcomings in the emergency response.
Serious Administrative Lapses Under Scrutiny
Preliminary observations indicate that the accident may have resulted from gross negligence on the part of the local administration and the Municipal Corporation. Boats were allegedly operating in a prohibited zone in blatant violation of safety regulations, a lapse that ultimately cost 16 lives.
The NDMA team is expected to submit a detailed report to the Central Government soon. Based on its findings, strict action against those responsible is likely.
Tough Questions for Officials
The visiting team adopted a firm stance during the inspection, raising several critical questions before the officials present. They sought explanations on how a boat was allowed to enter a completely prohibited area, why the local administration failed to stop its operation, and why the vessel was carrying passengers beyond its approved capacity.
The team also questioned the absence of any mechanism to monitor overloading. It asked why life jackets were not provided to passengers, why the boat lacked emergency anchors, and why warning signboards and safety maps had not been installed along the Yamuna ghats to alert visitors of potential hazards.
Following the inspection at Keshi Ghat, the NDMA delegation visited the Community Health Centre in Maant to review the treatment provided to the injured and the handling of the deceased victims. The team also inspected the 100-bed hospital in Vrindavan, where several injured pilgrims had received medical care.
Senior officials accompanying the inspection included Additional Commissioner (Administration), ADM Finance Dr. Pankaj Kumar Verma, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Radhaballabh, SDM Deepika Meher, CO Traffic Sandeep Kumar Singh, Tehsildar Mant Sushil Kumar Gupta, Tehsildar Govardhan Brijesh Kumar Singh, the Chief Fire Officer, the Director of the Tourism Department, and other administrative officials.
