Odisha draws up action plan against drowning after 9,000 meet watery grave in five years

With nearly 9,000 people having lost their lives in drowning incidents across Odisha over the past five years, the state government on Thursday decided to chalk out a comprehensive action plan to curb such fatalities through improved safety measures, trained lifeguards and public awareness campaigns.

The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhawan. Senior officials, including Director General of Fire Services and Home Guards Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi and Additional Relief Commissioner Padmanabha Behera, reviewed the causes of drowning deaths and discussed preventive strategies.

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Official data show that children and youths account for a majority of the victims, with drowning incidents frequently occurring in rivers, canals, reservoirs, ponds, open wells, waterfalls, beaches and other water bodies.

The Chief Secretary directed officials to identify drowning-prone “black spots” through scientific mapping based on geographical conditions and the nature of water bodies. Safety infrastructure, including warning signboards, railings, barricades and protective covers over open wells, will be strengthened at vulnerable locations.

The government also plans to train one or two local lifeguards in every gram panchayat and deploy lifeguards at major tourist destinations and crowded water bodies. Floating buoys, ropes and other beach safety measures will also be introduced.

To improve public awareness, swimming will be promoted as a life-saving skill through training camps for students and youth, while NCC, Civil Defence volunteers and local youth organisations will receive training in water rescue and first aid.

The Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments to prepare a coordinated action plan to reduce drowning deaths across the state.