PONDA: Incessant rains over the past week had filled the water bodies attracting picnickers for bathing. Several water bodies including abandoned open mining pits, laterite stone quarries are also overflowing. Though there is ban on visiting water bodies, youths defy the ban to enjoy monsoon bathing at these water bodies and waterfalls and take great risk to click adventurous photos and selfies here.
However, locals have expressed concern over several drowning deaths in water bodies, and waterfalls during the recent monsoon. They also pointed out that some youth carry alcohol bottles and drink before taking a dip, thus risking their lives.
Dharbandora Sarpanch Balaji Gawas urged the government to look into abandoned mining pits and stone quarries which are open and attracting youth. Even if some youth and picnickers don’t know swimming and have no idea of its depth they get into these water bodies and sometimes end up drowning in the deep water.
The recent drowning incidents in Goa are worrisome and there is great need to warn all those going to such water bodies and put up warning boards proper fencing.
Meghasham Naik who is an engineer by profession said youth should refrain from drinking and bathing at water bodies. There is scientific reason for drowning if one enters into the water after consumption of alcohol. He said alcohol consumption can significantly increase risk of drowning by impairing judgment, reducing coordination and delayed reaction time of the body.
