Bhubaneswar: Concerned over the rising number of drowning deaths across 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 review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg was held at Lok Seva Bhavan on Thursday to discuss remedial measures and strategies for preventing drowning-related deaths in the state. Senior officials, including Director General of Fire Services and Home Guards Sudhanshu Sarangi, Additional Relief Commissioner Padmanabha Behera and other departmental representatives, attended the meeting.
According to official data, nearly 9,000 people have lost their lives due to drowning in Odisha over the past five years, with children and young people accounting for a significant proportion of the victims. The incidents occur in various water bodies, including ponds, rivers, canals, open wells, the sea and other hazardous locations.
During the meeting, officials reviewed the causes behind drowning incidents and discussed measures to improve safety and emergency response systems. Sarangi said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep concern over the recurring loss of lives and has advised the establishment of the Odisha State Watermanship and Life Guard Institute (OSWALI) near Ramachandi to strengthen water safety and rescue preparedness.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to undertake a detailed analysis of drowning incidents based on geographical locations and the nature of water bodies to identify hazardous areas, which will be designated as “Drowning Prone Black Spots”.
As part of the proposed measures, at least one to two persons in every Gram Panchayat will be trained as local lifeguards. Authorities will also install warning signboards, safety railings, barricades and other protective infrastructure at identified danger zones.
For coastal safety, especially at sea bathing locations frequented by devotees and tourists, floating markers, ropes and warning systems will be installed to clearly demarcate safe bathing limits. The state will also study and adopt best practices followed in other states and countries for water safety management.
Officials further discussed covering open wells with protective nets and deploying lifeguards at vulnerable tourist destinations identified by the Tourism Department. Home Guards and lifeguards will be kept on alert, with enhanced monitoring and safety arrangements planned for sensitive and crowded water bodies.
The government has also decided to promote swimming as a life-saving skill. Large-scale swimming training camps and competitions will be organised for students and youth in both rural and urban areas. Members of the NCC, Civil Defence and local youth organisations will receive extensive training in water rescue operations and first aid.
To ensure effective implementation, the Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments, including Fire Services, Police, the State Crime Records Bureau, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner, Water Resources Department, and Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, to prepare a coordinated action plan aimed at preventing drowning deaths and improving public safety across the state.