Hinterland drownings

It is the responsibility of the government to ensure safety at major water bodies

It was heartbreaking to hear of the deaths of four youths, including three brothers from Vasco, who had gone on a picnic near the Dudhsagar River in Kulem. Some of them were students. Unfortunately, every year, we see drowning cases at waterfalls, rivulets and other water bodies.

Since Goa is a tourist destination, the issue of drowning has been debated over the last few years as the number of visitors meeting a watery grave is disturbing. It is not only tourists who are charmed by the waters during the monsoon but also the locals. Many water bodies have deceptive depths and treacherous currents, posing a serious threat even to swimmers. Goa is blessed with enchanting waterfalls, rivers, lakes and ponds. Thousands of tourists and locals visit them for a swim or for a thrill during the monsoon, often risking their lives. Social media platforms and influencers have popularised some spots, attracting more tourists to the ‘beyond the beaches’ trails.

A couple of years ago, when some tourists lost their lives at waterfalls situated in forest areas, the government took measures restricting entry to wildlife sanctuary areas.

The Forest Department’s demarcation of waterfalls and other water bodies under its jurisdiction into categories such as high-risk, moderate-risk and low-risk needs to be publicised. Proper signage should be displayed ahead of high-risk areas. If restrictions are imposed, the government’s influencers should be tasked with creating awareness about hazardous water bodies. Forest Department patrols could be increased during the monsoon. At major water bodies, especially waterfalls, there should be collaboration with local communities for safety management. Village forest committees could also be effective. At Dudhsagar and some other major waterfalls, the government had appointed lifeguards. A review should be conducted to determine whether changes are required to the safety management measures taken so far. It is true that the government cannot be expected to maintain surveillance at every water body in the state. But there is much it can do.

Overall, the government should conduct a vulnerability audit of all water bodies that receive visitors for swimming. Based on this, necessary steps should be taken. Even some “hot spots” could be restricted if large crowds cannot be managed. Necessary safety arrangements need to be made at all major sites. In the case of the Vasco boys’ tragedy, one of their friends tried to throw a log of wood so that the boys caught in the undercurrent could hold on to it and rescue themselves. But the attempt was unsuccessful. This calls for safety gadgets such as lifebuoys, throw bags (throw lines) and rescue tubes at vulnerable water bodies. New technology-based safety gadgets could also be explored. One may say this will cost money. True, but if safety is our concern, it must be done. The funds could be readily available if we stop one or two big-ticket events that cost the public exchequer crores.

Preventing tragedies requires a shift from reactive measures to a culture of vigilance and safety. We promote tourism in a big way and it is our responsibility to ensure that safety measures are in place at spots vulnerable to drowning. Hinterland tourism has to be promoted, but visitors during the monsoon should be informed about the dangers lurking there. The government’s role must evolve to include consistent monitoring and enforcement in collaboration with local communities. Necessary public awareness about the dangers of some of the main water bodies should be created. It is time the government looked at water bodies as high-risk public assets.