A series of deaths due to drowning at Bhopal’s popular picnic spots, Kerwa, Kaliyasot and Kolar dams, has become a major cause for concern for both the administration and the public. Recently, three young lives were lost in two separate incidents at Kolar and Kaliyasot dams. On July 14, four B.Pharma students from Bhopal went to Kolar dam for a picnic. While bathing, students Prince Singh and Ujjwal Tripathi ventured into deep water and drowned. Both could not be rescued. At Kaliyasot Dam on July 9, Vishal Narayan Naidu (32) from Karond, accompanied by three friends, visited Kaliyasot Dam. After slipping near the water’s edge, Vishal fell into deep water and drowned. His friends attempted to save him but were unsuccessful.

 

In light of these tragic accidents, ‘The Hitavada’ team spoke with B L Ninama, Superintending Engineer of the Water Resources Department. Ninama stated that the department has, on its part, installed robust fencing and clear warning signs in the dam areas multiple times, providing information about deep water and restricted zones. However, he lamented that the public often disregards these warnings, breaking fences or using alternative routes to enter prohibited and dangerous areas. He also acknowledged that most accidents occur outside the department’s jurisdiction, specifically in the river areas flowing away from the main dam, where water flow can be unpredictable and depth is difficult to estimate. People often visit these unregulated areas for swimming or recreation, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Ninama expressed the department’s inability to deploy permanent security guards or lifeguards at crowded picnic spots like dams, stating that the department’s responsibility is limited to the dam’s structure and its immediate vicinity. According to him, the responsibility for security and monitoring of river areas or adjacent regions lies with the local administration and police.

 

He also clarified that no regular co-ordination mechanism exists between the department and local police or administration, thus preventing the effective implementation of a joint monitoring system or rapid response plan, despite increased crowds and potential incidents during holidays and weekends. Administration’s new initiative and emphasis on awareness: Amidst these serious issues and recurring accidents, Ninama informed that the department is now focusing on enhancing security by co-ordinating with the local administration and police. He said, “More guards will be deployed, and in co-ordination with the administration of areas beyond our jurisdiction, we are preparing to restrict all access routes from local areas.” Under this initiative, all informal pathways used by people to enter restricted areas will be identified and blocked. He also mentioned that new and more explicit information boards will be installed at all access points, detailing water depth, potential hazards, and emergency contact numbers. Security arrangements will be further strengthened, which may include regular patrolling and surveillance, to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

 

He emphasised that these arrangements would be implemented soon. New Initiative: Joint monitoring and restricted routes to be closed: The Water Resources Department, in collaboration with local administration and police, has now formulated a new security plan. Under this plan, informal routes leading to restricted areas will be identified and closed. New and clear information boards will be installed in dam areas. Emergency numbers, water depth, and hazard information will be provided. Potential deployment of guards and surveillance teams. Joint patrolling will be initiated during holidays. Public awareness also crucial, Ninama stressed that not just Governmental measures, but public awareness is also crucial. He appealed, “to prevent dangers like water or fire, follow the rules and value your life.”