Boat Capsizes in Mahi River Near Vadodara, All Passengers Escape Unharmed
In a startling incident near Vadodara, approximately a dozen individuals fell into the Mahi river on Tuesday morning when the wooden boat they were boarding capsized. The mishap occurred close to Gambhira village in Padra taluka, as passengers were attempting to cross the river to reach Mujpur village.
Shallow Waters Prevent Tragedy
The boat overturned near the river bank, plunging all passengers into the water. Fortunately, the water at that specific spot was not very deep, allowing everyone to swim or wade to safety on the bank. No injuries or fatalities were reported from the incident, which could have had far more severe consequences under different circumstances.
Background: Bridge Collapse Forces Risky Crossings
Local residents explained that many people from Anand district, particularly those employed in Padra, have resorted to using boats to cross the Mahi river ever since the Gambhira bridge collapsed last year. Without this informal boat service, commuters would face a lengthy 45-kilometer detour by road to reach Padra, significantly increasing travel time and expenses.
To save both time and money, individuals have increasingly turned to boat crossings operated primarily by fishermen who charge a nominal fee for the service. However, these journeys come with considerable risks.
Safety Concerns and Regulatory Gaps
The boat rides are notably hazardous due to the absence of life jackets for passengers and the potential for overloading by boatmen seeking to maximize their earnings. In July, the Anand district collector had officially halted all boat crossings, citing new boating regulations that mandated safety inspections of vessels by authorized surveyors.
Tuesday's capsizing incident has exposed that boats are still being utilized to ferry people across the Mahi river, despite the ban. A mamlatdar from Padra taluka who arrived at the riverbank after the accident stated that he would inform the administration about the occurrence. He emphasized that people must register their boats before use, provided the vessels meet quality standards.
Community Demands and Past Tragedies
Local inhabitants have urged the government to establish proper arrangements for boat transport and supply life jackets until the new Gambhira bridge becomes operational. This demand gains urgency in light of a previous tragedy: twenty people lost their lives when the bridge between Anand and Vadodara districts collapsed in July. Subsequent investigations revealed that the bridge was in poor condition and that numerous complaints about its state had been ignored.
The recent boat capsizing serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing transportation challenges and safety issues faced by residents in the region, underscoring the need for swift and effective governmental intervention.
