The Nagrik Upbhokta Margdarshak Manch (NUMM) has raised serious allegations regarding the Bargi Dam cruise mishap, claiming that the vessel was destroyed before a proper investigation could be conducted. Senior office-bearers of NUMM staged a protest against the act and submitted a memorandum to State Tourism Minister Dharmendra Lodhi through the district administration. NUMM members alleged that the cruise was not equipped with a mandatory 4-stroke engine as required under the orders of the National Green Tribunal. The organisation alleged that the cruise was deliberately destroyed to obstruct the investigation and prevent the violation from coming to light.

 

They said the NGT had issued clear directions on September 12, 2023 stating that water bodies not declared as wetlands, such as the Bargi Dam reservoir, are permitted to operate boats fitted with 4-stroke engines only. The tribunal had also noted that such boats are already in operation across three dozen countries worldwide. The forum further alleged that one of the two engines on the cruise had failed prior to the incident and demanded that a detailed micro-level inquiry be conducted into this aspect as well. The NUMM members stated that had the mandatory and more powerful 4-stroke engines been installed, the cruise would not have stalled even in strong winds. Those participated in the protest include Dr P G Najpande, T K Raighatta, D K Singh, Vedprakash Adhauliya, Sushila Kanaujia, G S Sonkar, Arjun Kumar, Mohan Shrivastava and others.