Team Herald
PONDA: In response to a recent spate of drowning incidents, the Dharbandora Deputy Collector Nilesh Diagodkar has initiated strict preventive measures to curb river-related fatalities at Dudhsagar. Acting swiftly, officials have locked the gate leading to the Okambi River to stop picnickers from accessing the dangerous stretch of water.
Police have also been directed to step up patrolling at multiple popular river picnic spots, particularly during weekends and holidays, when large crowds gather to beat the summer heat—often ignoring warnings and previous tragedies.
Despite a government ban on river bathing in South Goa imposed last year and the installation of warning signboards, many continue to flock to riverside locations. The Dudhsagar river, in particular, has seen repeated incidents.
On April 24 and 26, two youths from Vasco and Canacona drowned at Davkond and Okambi, respectively. Earlier, on 14 March, two picnickers lost their lives at the Ganjem-Usgao river during Holi celebrations.
Dharbandora Sarpanch Balaji Gawas expressed concern that visitors routinely ignore safety warnings. Mollem Sarpanch Suhas Gaonkar added that the panchayat would take necessary steps to restrict access and ensure safety.