Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav has sought a detailed factual report from the Forest Department following the drowning of a Class 11 student at the Tonir-Kajredhat River/Waterfall in Sattari, raising questions over safety arrangements and compliance with earlier monsoon safety directions.
According to a report submitted by the Sattari Deputy Collector, 23 students and four teachers from Deep Vihar Higher Secondary School, Vasco, had travelled by private bus for a trekking programme and had hired a private, non-local lifeguard to accompany them to the Tonir-Kajredhat area.
The incident was reported at around 12 noon on Friday, following which the Valpoi Fire Station alerted the Taluka Disaster Management authorities. The Sattari Mamlatdar, along with the Talathi and Circle Inspector, reached the spot at around 1.50 p.m. Fire and Emergency Services, police, Forest Department personnel and a 108 ambulance were already present at the site.
Fire personnel traced the student’s body at around 3.10 p.m. after a search operation.
The Deputy Collector’s report stated that the waterfall falls under the jurisdiction of the Range Forest Officer, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Maloli, Sattari, rather than the general jurisdiction of the Goa Forest Department.
Following the incident, Collector Yadav sought a detailed report from the Forest Department on the safety measures in place at the site. The Collector’s letter reportedly noted that warning signboards had been installed by the Village Panchayat in the vicinity, but there was no barricading and no Forest Department staff or security personnel deployed at the location.
It was also reported that there was no warning signboard at the exact spot where the drowning occurred, while some warning boards had allegedly been removed by unknown persons.
The Collector has asked the Forest Department to explain why personnel were not deployed at the site and what action was taken to comply with his July 29 order concerning monsoon safety measures.
The report has also been sought on steps taken regarding warning boards, barricading, regulation of public entry and monitoring of visitors at the site.
Meanwhile, Valpoi Police have registered a negligence case against four teachers and two tour operators in connection with the student’s drowning. Police have alleged that the students were taken into a wildlife area without proper permission and were allowed to venture near the waterfall despite the risks.
