As the monsoon approaches, the recurring tragedy of drownings at open spots such as abandoned stone quarries and irrigation canals highlights a grave disregard for public safety. Despite clear warnings, government commitments, and High Court directives, inaction persists, risking lives. The apathy at various administrative levels is as clear as daylight.
How can anyone forget the tragic deaths of four students of Don Bosco School in Tuem who drowned at a local stone quarry in September 2019? The boys who went to swim at about 4.30 pm that fateful day failed to gauge the depth of the rain-filled quarry and eventually succumbed. Over the past few years, at least nine youths aged between 16 and 23 have drowned in abandoned stone quarries, often called “death traps.” Nine months ago, the government announced a plan to fence and barricade 35 abandoned quarries across North and South Goa, allocating over Rs 2.50 crore.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant publicly stated that Rs 75 lakh had already been sanctioned, with the remaining funds to come from the District Mineral Fund. Yet, nearly a year later, measures remain unimplemented. The tenders for fencing were invited in August 2024, with an estimated cost of Rs 60 lakh, but no tangible progress has emerged. The proposal remains pending before the government, effectively stalling the process.
This delay is in direct violation of directives from the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court, which has explicitly ordered the authorities to prioritize fencing all abandoned quarries to prevent drownings. The court’s intervention came after public outrage and several tragic incidents. The failure to act suggests a neglect of judicial mandates and a lack of political will to address a preventable crisis. The question is whether we are waiting for further tragedies to set processes in motion.
A similar problem extends to irrigational canals that crisscross rural landscapes. These water bodies which on the one hand are very vital for agriculture, have become death traps. Children, elders, and even tourists have drowned recently while bathing or crossing. Despite directives from the Water Resources Department and legal provisions under the Goa, Daman and Diu Irrigation Act, no comprehensive safety measures have been implemented. Short-term barricades have been hastily placed at some points, but these are neither permanent nor sufficient.
We understand the challenges of fencing open canals. Many run through densely populated rural areas, making comprehensive barricading logistically and financially difficult. Yet, the safety of citizens must take precedence. Temporary measures, such as warning signs, frequent inspections, and awareness campaigns, can significantly reduce fatalities. More importantly, long-term solutions, including installing permanent barriers at high-risk points, enforcing strict regulations against encroachments, and regular safety audits, are urgently needed.
The government cannot wake up only when tragedies strike. Despite clear directives, judicial orders, and documented tragedies, the fencing of abandoned quarries and safety measures along canals are delayed.
The government must recognize the urgency of safeguarding lives. Ignoring these dangerous spots will only lead to more tragic deaths, which otherwise can be prevented through timely action. Protecting citizens from avoidable hazards is a moral and legal obligation of the government. It is high time authorities wake up, prioritise safety, and act decisively before more tragedies take lives.
