Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In light of a growing number of drowning cases, North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav has issued strict instructions to Deputy Collectors, mamlatdars, and police officials to intensify enforcement of the ongoing ban on swimming and entry into natural waterbodies, including quarries, rivers, lakes, and ponds.
The move follows the June 16 death of police constable Akash Naik, who drowned after jumping into a quarry at Sirsaim in Tivim, a location flagged as high-risk by authorities due to its remote, forested setting.
The ban, issued on May 24 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, is valid for 60 days, but violations continue, particularly by tourists and locals, despite repeated warnings.
According to government data, at least 68 people have died from drowning in Goa’s natural waterbodies since January 2025, with many fatalities reported from abandoned quarries, isolated ponds, and unregulated riverbanks.
In a detailed order, the Collector directed Sub-Divisional Officers from Pernem, Bardez, Sattari, Bicholim, and Tiswadi to coordinate with the police, forest officials, and local bodies to identify dangerous zones and deploy monitoring personnel.
Mamlatdars have been tasked with working alongside the Public Works Department (PWD) to put up multilingual warning signs, control access to high-risk sites, and initiate public awareness campaigns.
Police have been instructed to step up patrolling and surveillance, while the Forest Department and Chief Wildlife Warden are to monitor waterbodies within forested areas.
Additionally, the Department of Information and Publicity will launch a monsoon safety campaign focused on drowning prevention.
All departments have been directed to submit an action-taken report to the District Magistrate’s office by June 26.
