Twelve schoolchildren and two teachers tragically lost their lives when an overcrowded boat capsized during a picnic in Vadodara. The incident highlighted a violation of safety norms, as the boat, with a capacity of 14, was carrying 31 people. Shockingly, none of the passengers were provided with life jackets. The boating contract had been awarded to a private firm by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC).
Out of the group of around 80 students from New Sunrise School in the Waghodiya area who had gone on the picnic, 18 children and two teachers were rescued, according to state junior home minister Harsh Sanghavi. However, the condition of two rescued students remains critical.
The tragic incident unfolded at a lake in Harni, which is maintained by the VMC. While some students went for boating, others engaged in different recreational activities. The lack of safety measures and overcrowding on the ill-fated boat led to this devastating loss of life.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident and announced financial compensation. He offered Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased child and Rs 50,000 each for the injured. The state also declared compensation of Rs 4 lakh for each death and Rs 50,000 for the injured. PM Modi expressed his condolences and support for the affected families through his social media platform.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the lake where the tragedy occurred and immediately ordered strict action. The district magistrate has been directed to submit a probe report within 10 days. Additionally, an FIR has been lodged against five individuals for culpable homicide. Attempts to reach VMC officials for comment were unsuccessful.
Naushin Gandhi, sister of one of the deceased students, Ayan Gandhi, blamed the school authorities for the incident. She alleged that the school had collected Rs 750 from each parent for the picnic, misleading them by stating that the children would be taken to a water park instead of the lake. Ayan Gandhi, only 12 years old and a student of Class VI, is dearly missed by his family. Naushin has made numerous attempts to contact the school authorities but has received no response thus far.
The two teachers who lost their lives have been identified as Chhaya Patel and Falguni Surti, both aged 45. At the state-run SSG Hospital, heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as six bodies were brought in while a 13-year-old girl, one of the survivors, remained in the intensive care unit. The hospital superintendent, Dr. Ranjan Aiyer, provided an update on the girl’s condition, stating that she is improving.
This tragic boat capsize in Vadodara is a painful reminder of a similar incident that occurred on Janmashtami in 1993, when 22 people lost their lives in another boat accident in the city’s Sursagar Lake. It raises serious concerns regarding the lack of effective safety measures implemented by both the VMC and the contractors involved.
As the nation mourns the loss of these innocent lives, it is crucial that a thorough investigation is conducted to determine responsibility and prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future. The focus must be on ensuring the safety of individuals who partake in recreational activities and holding accountable those who neglect proper measures, endangering innocent lives.
