Team Herald
PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the House to issue directions to the deputy collectors to fence the water bodies such as lakes and ponds, after two children from the same family in Mapusa died due to drowning this week.
“I will instruct the deputy collectors to fence the ponds and lakes in their respective areas. Small children get attracted to water unaware about the depth, resulting in unfortunate incidents,” Sawant said while replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by Mapusa BJP MLA Joshua D’Souza.
He conceded that similar incidents have occurred in the past across the State and as such, “we have to be alert.” The CM has also urged the people to inform the authorities about non-barricading of these water bodies, so as to get these fenced for safety purposes.
In a written reply, the CM said the bodies of the 2 children, aged 10 years and 5 years, were retrieved after an extensive search by the Fire personnel. “All the medico-legal formalities have been completed by the Police and thorough investigation is being carried out. Mapusa Police has written to the authorities to guard the pond to ensure that there is no repetition of such an incident. Further, directions will be issued to the local authorities to have surveillance over such water bodies and warning should be conspicuously displayed about the risk involved,” he said.
D’Sozua, during the discussion, urged parents to monitor their children as the two deceased had left their house for private tuition but instead got attracted to the pond filled with lotus flowers. “Parents should be responsible when their children are out, either you accompany them till they reach their destination or ensure they are accompanied by a trusted person. So also, private tuitions should have the attendance system,” he said, condoning the death. He also sought strict directions to the owners of private ponds/lakes for barricading these.
