Over 2k drownings in 3 years: Govt | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Odisha witnessed an alarming 2,064 drowning deaths over the past three years, with incidents occurring in ponds, rivers, and the sea, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi told the assembly Monday.
The statistics paint a concerning picture, with Cuttack district recording the highest number of casualties at 252. Mayurbhanj district follows closely with 251 deaths, while Koraput and Nabarangpur districts reported 207 and 102 cases, respectively.
“Districts with major river systems, particularly those along the Mahanadi, have emerged as drowning hotspots,” a senior govt official told reporters. “Coastal districts are also reporting significant numbers of such incidents,” he added.
Addressing the assembly, Majhi outlined the govt’s comprehensive strategy to combat this pressing issue. “We are implementing a multi-pronged approach to reduce drowning deaths,” he said. “This includes identifying vulnerable locations and launching extensive awareness campaigns to promote water safety,” he added.
In a significant move, the state govt established the Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Training Institute (OSWALI) at Ramachandi in Puri district. This specialised facility provides advanced training to fire services personnel, emergency service staff, and home guards in water rescue operations.
The chief minister also highlighted the deployment of trained lifeguards along Puri’s sea beach, comprising fire services personnel and home guards, to prevent drowning incidents in the popular tourist destination.
Safety experts emphasise the need for community involvement in prevention efforts. “While govt initiatives are crucial, local communities must also be vigilant and educated about water safety,” said international scuba diver Sabir Baux.
The govt plans to expand its safety measures by installing warning signs at dangerous water bodies and conducting regular safety drills in vulnerable areas. Also, schools near water bodies will receive special attention in the awareness campaign. As the monsoon season approaches, authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution near water bodies and follow safety guidelines to prevent further casualties.
The statistics paint a concerning picture, with Cuttack district recording the highest number of casualties at 252. Mayurbhanj district follows closely with 251 deaths, while Koraput and Nabarangpur districts reported 207 and 102 cases, respectively.
“Districts with major river systems, particularly those along the Mahanadi, have emerged as drowning hotspots,” a senior govt official told reporters. “Coastal districts are also reporting significant numbers of such incidents,” he added.
Addressing the assembly, Majhi outlined the govt’s comprehensive strategy to combat this pressing issue. “We are implementing a multi-pronged approach to reduce drowning deaths,” he said. “This includes identifying vulnerable locations and launching extensive awareness campaigns to promote water safety,” he added.
In a significant move, the state govt established the Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Training Institute (OSWALI) at Ramachandi in Puri district. This specialised facility provides advanced training to fire services personnel, emergency service staff, and home guards in water rescue operations.
The chief minister also highlighted the deployment of trained lifeguards along Puri’s sea beach, comprising fire services personnel and home guards, to prevent drowning incidents in the popular tourist destination.
Safety experts emphasise the need for community involvement in prevention efforts. “While govt initiatives are crucial, local communities must also be vigilant and educated about water safety,” said international scuba diver Sabir Baux.
The govt plans to expand its safety measures by installing warning signs at dangerous water bodies and conducting regular safety drills in vulnerable areas. Also, schools near water bodies will receive special attention in the awareness campaign. As the monsoon season approaches, authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution near water bodies and follow safety guidelines to prevent further casualties.
