The drowning of a police constable at a quarry in Sirsaim on Sunday highlights a serious and ongoing public safety crisis that needs immediate government action. Despite numerous warnings, tragic incidents keep happening at open water sites like abandoned stone quarries. This is especially true during the monsoon season when these places fill up with rainwater, turning them into deadly traps.
The pressing question is why are these dangerous sites still open, and what is being done after the order by Collectors to seal the open quarries? The case of Constable Akash Suresh Naik, who drowned while swimming in a quarry, once again highlights the risks of these open pits. Authorities had stated that they were working on fencing high-risk abandoned quarries, claiming that work had been nearing completion, a good two months ago.
The Sirsaim incident raises serious doubts about measures on the ground. If the fencing was really in progress, why was the quarry still open and accessible enough for Naik? This contradiction points to a significant gap between policy announcements and ground conditions. The government’s slow response to fencing is not a new problem. Since 2019, after four students died at a similar quarry, a clear judicial order has been in place to fence abandoned quarries to avoid such tragedies. Yet, six years later, the promised fencing is still not complete. While tenders have been issued, funds allocated, and some work started, there have been critical gaps in completing the task. This lack of action is more than just bureaucratic delay; it is a blatant disregard for lives that could have been saved.
The lack of solid barriers makes these abandoned sites deadly, particularly during the rains when water levels rise unpredictably. Though there are guidelines and laws for managing these water bodies, enforcement is weak. Temporary barriers and warning signs simply are not enough. The government’s hesitance or inability to implement permanent safety measures shows complacency.
Adding to these problems is the inconsistency in official policies. While the District Administration has banned entry into waterfalls and water bodies during the monsoon, monsoon tourism is being promoted in forested areas, including waterfalls, under supervision. Such mixed messages confuse the public and weaken safety efforts. If tourism is encouraged, it must be done responsibly, with strict safety rules, people's involvement, and clear public awareness campaigns.
Locals, NGOs, and community groups can play an important role in monitoring unsafe sites, sharing safety information, and pushing for better enforcement of safety measures. Public pressure and people's watchfulness can support government actions, ensuring that safety measures turn from promises into realities. Ultimately, the government must recognize that these threats to life are preventable. Delays in fencing, inadequate safety measures, and lax enforcement are unacceptable reasons.
Lastly, the drowning of Constable Naik serves as a poor example of the men-in-khaki. Police personnel are expected to defend the law and not break rules. They are the ones who should be setting deterrents against such risky adventures. The drowning of Constable Naik serves as yet another tragic wake-up call. The government must go beyond words and take real, timely steps to remove these dangers. Protecting citizens from avoidable risks is not just policy, it is a basic duty. The incident demands immediate and sustained action before more families fall victim to such tragedies.
