PONDA: At a joint inspection of the Kodar River on Monday, Ponda Deputy Collector Pradeep Naik along with GOACAN members and officials of various departments identified three dangerous spots namely two government farms and a private one where drowning cases were reported.
Naik was accompanied by GOACAN’s Roland Martins, Lorna Martins, fire station officer Sushil Morajkar, Ponda police, officials of the Agriculture and Excise departments and others.
It was decided to take preventive measures including SOPs to prevent drowning cases in future.
Speaking to media persons, the Deputy Collector said, “We have identified three dangerous spots at Kodar River. Tourists arrive at Kodar River for picnics and due to lack of knowledge of these dangerous spots they drown. With help of these departments, a survey will be conducted and preventive measures will be taken to prevent tourists from visiting these dangerous spots. We will inform the South Goa Collector about these plans.”
Roland Martins said, “There is need to create awareness and follow SOPs to prevent drowning cases during picnics. People and children fail to take precautions while venturing into the waters and this has resulted in several drowning cases.”
He said, “For the first time World Drowning Prevention Day will be celebrated on July 25 and there is need to involve all sections of society. Students need to take precautions and alcohol should not be allowed during picnics. At present drowning cases are handled by police and fire station officials.”
Sushil Morajkar said, “The Fire Department faces difficulties to ferry the body as there is no proper access road in transport rescue boats. So far in the past few years, 15 drowning cases have been reported in Kodar River.”
