MARGAO
The grim statistics paint a disturbing picture. Eight drowning incidents have been reported in as many months, resulting in the deaths of students and visitors in rivers, rivulets and other water bodies spread across the hinterland of Dharbandora.
According to the district administration, the major factors contributing to these tragedies include a lack of awareness about changing river conditions, alcohol consumption, picnicking at isolated locations, multiple access routes to riverbanks and unsafe swimming in prohibited areas.
The district authorities have identified as many as 17 vulnerable drowning points across the taluka. However, with fatalities continuing to occur, the pressing question remains: Will the measures taken so far be enough to prevent further loss of life?
Administration turns to community participation
District Collector Egna Cleetus said the administration has already initiated several preventive measures, including the installation of precautionary signboards at vulnerable locations, intensified police patrolling and improved coordination among various government departments.
The administration has also proposed awareness programmes, warning signboards, community sensitisation initiatives and the identification of safe swimming and picnicking zones to enhance public safety.
Recognising that official measures alone may not be sufficient, the district administration is now planning to involve local communities by raising a village volunteer force around vulnerable water bodies.
The proposed volunteers will act as the administration's eyes and ears on the ground, alerting the police and district authorities whenever they notice visitors or picnickers heading towards prohibited or unsafe swimming locations, particularly those ignoring warning signboards.
Volunteers to strengthen surveillance
While several precautionary measures are already in place, the administration believes the village volunteer network could help plug the remaining gaps by ensuring timely intervention before accidents occur. "I have issued directions to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Dharbandora, to conduct awareness programmes in schools in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Education and police officials," District Collector Cleetus said.
She added that the Block Development Officer and Village Panchayat representatives have also been instructed to explore the possibility of convening Special Gram Sabha meetings to educate residents about the dangers of entering unsafe rivers and other water bodies.
The administration hopes that greater community participation, coupled with sustained awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement, will help reverse the disturbing trend of drowning deaths in Dharbandora.
With the monsoon having finally arrived, officials have appealed to residents and visitors alike to heed warning signs, avoid alcohol consumption near water bodies and refrain from venturing into prohibited swimming areas.
