The Odisha government will map drowning-prone black spots and train at least one lifeguard in every panchayat to curb such deaths. The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by chief secretary Anu Garg on Thursday.
Drowning Statistics
Official data indicate that nearly 9,000 people have drowned in Odisha over the past five years, with children and youth accounting for a significant share. To reduce such incidents, Garg directed departments to identify drowning zones based on geography and the nature of water bodies.
Lifeguard Training and Safety Measures
Each gram panchayat will train one or two local youths as lifeguards, while safety measures such as warning signage, railings and barricades will be put in place at identified spots. For beaches and tourist areas, the government plans to adopt best practices, including deployment of floating buoys, safety ropes and clear demarcation of safe bathing zones.
Additional Proposals
Proposals were also discussed to install protective mesh covers over open wells and deploy lifeguards at high-risk tourist locations, identified by the tourism department. Home guards and trained lifeguards will be stationed near vulnerable and crowded water bodies. The government will also promote swimming as a life-saving skill, with plans for large-scale training camps and competitions for students and youth in both rural and urban areas. National Cadet Corps, civil defence and local youth groups will be trained in rescue operations and first aid.
Coordinated Action Plan
Garg directed preparation of a coordinated action plan involving fire services, police, SCRB, and revenue and disaster management, water resources and panchayati raj departments. Drowning has emerged as a major concern in the state, claiming hundreds of lives annually. Many of these incidents occur in ponds, open wells, reservoirs, rivers, near beaches and tourist spots due to negligence and lack of safety measures.
Expert Guidance
At the meeting, attended by fire services DG Sudhanshu Sarangi, officials reviewed the causes of such deaths and measures to prevent them. Sarangi suggested seeking guidance from Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute at Ramachandi. He stressed that coordinated efforts involving government agencies, local bodies and community organisations are key to reducing drownings.
