Raipur, May 02, 2026: In the wake of the recent tragic cruise accident in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today conducted a comprehensive review of the safety arrangements for all water sports activities operating within the state and issued strict directives to ensure rigorous adherence to safety standards.
The Chief Minister explicitly stated that any form of laxity or negligence concerning public safety would be deemed completely unacceptable.
Sai directed the Collectors of all districts, including Dhamtari and Korba, to ensure the immediate verification (safety audit) of safety standards at all sites where water sports activities are being conducted, and to ensure that the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed to the letter.
He further directed that regular technical inspections be conducted on all equipment utilized at the respective water sports sites, that trained and skilled personnel be deployed, and that an appropriate emergency management mechanism be kept active to effectively handle any unforeseen contingencies.
Additionally, directives were issued to ensure the adequate availability and functional readiness of rescue equipment, life jackets, and other essential safety resources.
He also instructed the Collectors to maintain continuous oversight of these arrangements and, in the event of any violation of safety standards at any level, to fix the accountability of the concerned officials or operators and initiate punitive action as deemed necessary.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the State Government accords the highest priority to the safety of its citizens and tourists. In this context, it is imperative that water sports activities be conducted in a manner that is entirely safe, well-organized, and fully compliant with established standards, thereby ensuring the effective management of potential risks.
Sai directed that the implementation of all these measures be reviewed on a regular basis and that periodic reports regarding the same be submitted to the State Government. He emphasized that it is only through working with vigilance, sensitivity, and accountability that we can truly ensure the safety of human lives.
