Bhubaneswar, December 8: As many as 1,832 drowning deaths have been reported over the past three years in the State with incidents occurring in the river and the sea, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi told the Assembly on Monday.
In a written reply, the Chief Minister disclosed in the House that out of the 1,832 drowning deaths, as many 1,750 people have drowned in the sea while 82 persons watery grave in rivers in the State between 2022-2025 (till date).
The statistics gave by the Chief Minister paint a concerning picture, with Cuttack district recording the highest number of casualties at 179. Keonjhar district follows closely with 160 deaths and Mayubhanj with 154 death, Kendrapara with 110 death while Sambalpur reported 107 casualties.
All the 30 districts of the State have reported casualties due to drowning, the CM told the House.
In 2025 (till date) alone, as many as 427 persons have died due to drowning in rivers and the sea in the State.
To combat this pressing issue, the Chief Minister outlined the State Government’s comprehensive strategy and said, "We are implementing a multi-pronged approach to reduce drowning deaths. This includes identifying vulnerable locations and launching extensive awareness campaigns to promote water safety.”
“The Odisha Fire Service Department have been directed to identity vulnerable points in rivers and sea and conduct drowning awareness drives through public campaigns, safety drills to curb high drowning deaths,” said the Chief Minister in response to a query of MLA Bibhuti Bhusan Balabantray.
