PONDA: GOACAN convenor Roland Martins has emphasised the need for safety measures at Dudhsagar river to prevent drowning deaths during the peak summer season.
Highlighting the importance of preventing drowning deaths in Okamb and other rivers in Dharbandora taluka, Martins expressed concern about visitors ignoring warning signboards and taking dangerous baths in the river to beat the heat.
He recalled the successful past collaborations with the Deputy Collector’s office in organising meetings and site inspections to address drowning prevention.
Martins urged the deputy collector to convene a joint meeting of relevant government authorities to develop a short-term action plan to prevent drowning deaths in the taluka.
He said that the meeting should focus on preventive measures such as warning signboards, emergency telephone numbers, police patrolling, a ban on alcohol drinks at the river, and the availability of life-saving equipment at strategic locations. Advisories for educational institutions should also be considered.
Martins said that long-term measures to prevent drowning deaths should be discussed at the meeting, considering the upcoming observation of World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2024.
