RAIPUR: In the wake of the recent cruise capsize incident in Jabalpur that raised serious concerns over safety protocols, Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered a statewide audit of all water sports activities, warning that any negligence will invite strict action.Issuing clear directions to district collectors, including those in Dhamtari and Korba, CM Sai said safety standards must be followed in “letter and spirit” at every water sports site. He emphasized that there would be zero tolerance towards lapses that put lives at risk.The chief minister has asked officials to immediately review safety arrangements and ensure strict compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). He directed that all equipment used in boating and water-based activities undergo regular technical inspections, and that only trained and certified personnel be deployed at such sites.Officials have also been told to strengthen emergency response systems, including the availability and readiness of life jackets, rescue boats and other critical safety gear. “Preparedness to handle emergencies must be ensured at all times,” Sai said.The directive comes days after the Jabalpur mishap highlighted gaps in enforcement of safety norms in recreational water activities. While no such major incident has been reported in Chhattisgarh recently, the state govt has moved to pre-empt risks amid increasing tourist footfall at reservoirs, dams and eco-tourism sites.SAI has further instructed collectors to maintain continuous monitoring of water sports operations and fix accountability in case of violations. “Any lapse will be viewed seriously and action will be taken against concerned officials or operators,” he said.He also called for periodic reviews and submission of compliance reports to the state government, underlining that public and tourist safety remains the administration’s top priority.
