Every now and then we hear of fatalities due to bad roads, poor traffic control, cattle on the highways, youngsters drowning on beaches and in inland water bodies, deaths due to overdose of drugs, etc.
In most cases, the deaths are just recorded as an FIR, publicized in the local news followed by an Obituary and some condolences and soon everything is forgotten by all except may be by those directly affected by such tragedies. The question is – Is it not the duty of the Government to look into such cases with the idea of finding out the cause of such accidents and take necessary action to stop a similar case happening again? In all civilized societies this is the norm. But in the case of our country it appears that we are not so civilized after all. At least this is the impression one gets from the apathy of the Government and the concerned bureaucracy.
The recent case in question is about a young life of an 18 year old Valentino Goudinho from Mapusa who is reported to have drowned at the Arvalem Waterfalls. It would be pertinent on part of the Government to carry out a detailed investigation into the actual cause of such an accident and find ways and means of how such an accident could have been avoided. Subsequently it will be necessary to take such action which will help in the recurrence of such a tragedy.
For a start I would like to suggest that all such water-bodies whether beaches or lakes or waterfalls where people are likely to go for their outings should be provided with life vests. Everyone entering the water should be made to wear a life vest in the interest of his own safety and with a view to avoid undue costs to the state and trauma to his/her kith & kin. The local panchayat should be made responsible to manage such spots with a view to make the use of safety gear – self sustaining.
If the Government can make use of safety helmets and safety belts compulsory on the roads, why can’t they make the use of life vests compulsory in the water?
