* Four deaths recorded in five years * P'yat to initiate safety measures
VALPOI
The Mhadei River at Bhironda in Sattari taluka has turned out to be a dangerous spot for bathing, with at least four drowning deaths reported over the past five years.
In response to the growing concern, the Bhironda Panchayat has decided to take proactive safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
According to Bhironda Sarpanch Udaysingh Rane, the panchayat is planning to install warning signboards at the site, deploy police personnel on weekends and public holidays, and consider appointing lifeguards.
The decision comes after repeated demands from local residents to ensure safety in and around the river.
With rising temperatures, a large number of people have been flocking to rivers across Sattari for relief, especially on weekends and holidays. However, the Bhironda stretch of the Mhadei River has proven particularly hazardous due to its unpredictable depth and rocky terrain, making it difficult for visitors to assess the risk.
The issue came back into focus following the recent death of a 21-year-old Rajat Kankonkar from Goa Velha, who drowned at the site after accidentally slipping into deep water.
Local authorities have noted that the riverbed in this area is uneven, with sudden deep pockets and muddy patches that can trap feet, increasing the risk of drowning.
Given these dangers, the Panchayat has also proposed appointing trained lifeguards, subject to availability of funds.
Rane further stated that although there was an earlier proposal to develop the site as a tourist destination, it has not yet received approval from the tourism department.
The Panchayat has urged citizens to exercise caution and cooperate with authorities, emphasising that preventive measures can significantly reduce such unfortunate incidents in the future.
