Team Goemkarponn
DHARBANDORA: Alarmed by eight drowning incidents reported in Dharbandora Taluka over the last eight months, district authorities have stepped up efforts to prevent further tragedies, particularly among students and visitors.
The issue came under review during a meeting convened by Kushavati District Collector Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS, in the presence of Superintendent of Police Shri Tikam Singh Verma, Additional Collector-II Shri Ramesh Gaonkar, and other government and Panchayat officials.
Officials informed the meeting that eight drowning incidents have been recorded across the taluka during the past eight months, resulting in several fatalities. A detailed assessment has identified 17 vulnerable drowning locations requiring urgent attention.
The analysis pointed to factors such as lack of awareness about river conditions, alcohol consumption near water bodies, picnicking in isolated areas, multiple access points to riverbanks, and unsafe swimming practices as major causes behind the incidents.
In response, authorities have installed cautionary signboards, intensified police patrolling, and strengthened coordination between departments. Plans are also underway to conduct awareness campaigns, community outreach programmes and identify safe swimming and picnicking zones.
Collector Egna Cleetus directed officials to launch awareness programmes in schools and urged Panchayats to hold Special Gram Sabha meetings to educate residents about the dangers of entering unsafe water bodies.
SP Tikam Singh Verma said Beach Police personnel have been tasked with regular patrols at vulnerable locations and called on local bodies to promptly report unsafe activities near rivers and other water bodies.
The administration hopes the coordinated measures will help curb drowning incidents and improve public safety across Dharbandora Taluka.
