Bhubaneswar, June 19: Concerned about the rising number of deaths due to drowning in rivers, canals, ponds, open wells, waterfalls, tourist spots, and coastal areas, the Odisha government has decided to strengthen preventive measures and launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign to reduce such fatalities.
A high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg was held at Lok Seva Bhavan on Thursday to discuss strategies to prevent drowning incidents in the state. Senior officials, including Director General of Fire Services and Home Guards Sudhanshu Sarangi, Additional Relief Commissioner Padmanabha Behera, and representatives from various departments, attended the meeting.
Official data presented in the meeting revealed that around 9,000 people have died due to drowning in Odisha over the last five years, with children and young people forming a significant proportion of the victims. These incidents have been reported across various water bodies, including ponds, rivers, canals, wells, the sea, and other unsafe locations.
The discussion focused on identifying the causes behind such accidents and strengthening emergency response and safety mechanisms. DG Fire Services Sudhanshu Sarangi informed that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed serious concern over the recurring loss of lives and has directed the establishment of the Odisha State Watermanship and Life Guard Institute (OSWALI) near Ramachandi to improve rescue training and water safety preparedness.
The Chief Secretary instructed officials to conduct a detailed geographic analysis of drowning incidents to identify high-risk zones, which will be marked as “Drowning Prone Black Spots.”
As part of the planned measures, at least one or two persons in every Gram Panchayat will be trained as local lifeguards. The government will also install warning boards, safety railings, barricades, and other protective infrastructure in identified danger zones.
For coastal safety, especially at popular sea-bathing sites visited by tourists and devotees, floating markers, ropes, and warning systems will be installed to clearly demarcate safe swimming limits. The state will also study and adopt best practices from other states and countries in water safety management.
Authorities also discussed covering open wells with protective nets and deploying lifeguards at vulnerable tourist locations identified by the Tourism Department. Home Guards and lifeguards will remain on alert with enhanced monitoring in sensitive and crowded water bodies.
In addition, the government has decided to promote swimming as a life-saving skill by organising large-scale training camps and competitions for students and youth in rural and urban areas. Members of NCC, Civil Defence, and local youth organisations will also receive training in water rescue techniques and first aid.
To ensure effective implementation, the Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments, including Fire Services, Police, State Crime Records Bureau, Revenue and Disaster Management, Special Relief Commissioner’s office, Water Resources, and Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, to prepare a coordinated action plan to reduce drowning deaths and improve public safety across Odisha.
