Bhubaneswar: A preliminary review meeting on preventive measures and public awareness initiatives to curb drowning-related deaths was held on Thursday at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
The meeting was attended by Director General of Odisha Fire Services Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi, Additional Relief Commissioner Padmanabha Behera, and other senior officials, who discussed the causes of drowning deaths and possible preventive measures.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Sarangi said drowning claims a large number of lives every year. He noted that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also expressed concern and grief over the recurring incidents and has advised the Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute near Ramachandi to strengthen preventive measures.
He emphasised that valuable lives can be saved through coordinated efforts involving government departments, local administrations, community groups, voluntary organisations, and the general public.
To significantly reduce such incidents in the future, the chief secretary directed officials to formulate a plan for identifying hazardous locations or “drowning-prone black spots” through data analysis based on geographical conditions and the nature of water bodies.
A proposal was also discussed to train at least one to two persons in every Gram Panchayat as local lifeguards. Safety measures such as warning signs, protective railings, and barricades will be ensured at all identified hazardous locations.
For the safety of pilgrims and tourists during sea bathing, floating buoys, ropes, and other warning systems will be installed to demarcate safe zones.
The government will also examine and adopt the best safety practices followed in other states and countries. The meeting further discussed providing protective wire-mesh covers over open wells and deploying lifeguards at vulnerable locations identified by the Tourism Department.
Special emphasis will be placed on strengthening safety arrangements at sensitive and heavily crowded water bodies, with home guards and lifeguards remaining on alert. In addition, swimming will be promoted as a life-saving skill.
Steps will be taken to organise swimming training camps and competitions on a large scale among students and youth in both rural and urban areas. NCC, Civil Defence personnel, and local youth organisations will be provided with extensive training in water rescue operations and first aid.
