Fresh tragedy sparks safety concerns
Valpoi
A 21-year-old youth from Goa Velha, Rajat Kankonkar, drowned while swimming in a river behind the Bhironda Panchayat area in Sattari on Sunday, in yet another tragic incident highlighting the dangers of local rivers.
According to information, a group of youths from Goa Velha had visited the river at Bhironda for bathing. After lunch, they re-entered the water. Around 5 pm, Rajat Kankonkar suddenly drowned while swimming. Locals at the site tried to rescue him but were unsuccessful.
Authorities were immediately informed, and the body was later recovered from the river. Valpoi police conducted a panchnama and sent the body to Goa Medical College for post-mortem examination.
Local residents said the riverbed at the spot is very deep and unpredictable, making it difficult to judge water levels. This poses a serious risk, especially for non-swimmers. Several similar incidents have reportedly taken place at the same location in the past. The incident comes just two days after a reported suicide at a riverbank in Padel–Sattari, adding to growing concern over safety in the region’s water bodies. Frequent drowning incidents across Sattari taluka have raised alarm, with rivers increasingly being seen as dangerous.
Many tourists and visitors coming to riverbanks for picnics or leisure often fail to assess the depth and strong currents, leading to repeated tragedies. Locals have therefore urged authorities to impose restrictions on bathing in such hazardous stretches.
Meanwhile, anger and concern are growing among residents due to recurring incidents. Citizens have demanded a strict ban on bathing in dangerous river areas, installation of warning signboards, and firm action from the administration. They have also called on the panchayat to pass a resolution and forward a proposal to enforce such restrictions.
