8 Drownings in 8 Months: Kushavati Collector Calls Urgent Meet, 17 Vulnerable Spots Identified in Dharbandora
Kushavati: Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS, Collector, Kushavati District, convened a meeting to discuss concerns arising from recent drowning incidents reported in Dharbandora Taluka, in the presence of Shri Tikam Singh Verma, Superintendent of Police, and Shri Ramesh Gaonkar, Additional Collector-II, Kushavati District. Other officials present at the meeting included the SDM, Mamlatdar, and BDO of Dharbandora Taluka, along with Village Panchayat Secretaries and Sarpanches.
During the meeting, the SDM, Dharbandora, presented a detailed analysis of drowning cases reported over the past eight months. Dharbandora Taluka has witnessed 8 drowning incidents in the last eight months, resulting in several fatalities, particularly among students and visitors. A total of 17 vulnerable drowning points have been identified. Major contributing factors include lack of awareness about river conditions, alcohol consumption, picnicking in isolated areas, multiple access routes to riverbanks, and unsafe swimming activities. To prevent further incidents, precautionary signboards have been installed, regular police patrolling is being carried out, and coordination among stakeholders has been strengthened. Further, awareness programmes, warning signage, community sensitisation initiatives, and the identification of safe swimming and picnicking zones have been proposed to enhance public safety.
The Collector directed the SDM to conduct awareness programmes in schools in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Education and Police officials. Further, the BDO and Village Panchayat representatives were instructed to explore the possibility of convening Special Gram Sabha meetings to create awareness about the dangers of entering unsafe water bodies. The Superintendent of Police informed that Beach Police personnel have been instructed to undertake regular patrolling of vulnerable locations. Also urged Panchayat officials to promptly report instances of unsafe swimming or other risky activities in water bodies so that necessary preventive measures can be taken.
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