Team Herald
PONDA: Dabal and Kodar locals residing in the vicinity of the Dudhsagar River have demanded that the government implement strict measures to prevent drowning cases at the river.
The demand comes after the last week’s incident wherein an engineering student met a watery grave in the Dudhsagar River at Dabal.
It may be recalled that the tragedy occurred on Friday at around 1.30 pm when a group of nine students visited the Dudhsagar River on a picnic. Twenty-one-year-old Yoganand Gaude from Bethora got drowned in the river while 20-year-old Sandeep Vepari from Vasco was rescued.
According to sources, Yoganand had organised the picnic at the Dudhsagar River at Dabal. All engineering students studying at Panjim reached the Dabhal at around 12.30 pm. Soon Yoganand and Sandeep entered into waters for a bath when the others were cooking food. Their colleagues noticed them struggling in the waters and rushed to their rescue. However, they managed to rescue Sandeep while Yoganand got drowned.
On receiving information, the Curchorem fire personnel rushed to the spot and retrieved the body.
Dabal and Kodar locals said, “Picnickers enter the Dudhsagar River for a bath in an intoxicated state which is risky. If we warn these picnickers of the dangers by venturing into the waters they start arguing with us.”
Recently during Holi there were clashes wherein the cops assaulted the locals brutally for taking bath at Kodar River which led to the suspension of the two constables.
The locals called for police patrolling at the river during holidays where picnickers venture into the waters for a bath at dangerous spots.
They said the government should station lifeguards at the river.
During summer Dudhsagar River attracts several visitors who visit the spot for picnics. Unaware of the dangerous spots, some end up losing their lives.
Following several drowning cases, last year the GOACAN had complained to the Ponda and Dharbandora Deputy Collector and had called for adopting safety measures to prevent youth from visiting the river. The compound wall construction began at Kodar where maximum deaths occurred.
However, since the river is massive it is difficult fence the entire river bank. However, the locals have called for creating awareness among picnickers to prevent deaths.
