TV
A potentially tragic mishap was averted on Wednesday when over 15 passengers were safely rescued after a boat they were travelling in lost balance and drifted in the Indravati River near Dashamantpur-Duarashuni-Mundiguda in Koraput district’s Jaipur block.
According to local sources, the passengers were attempting to cross the river using a traditional wooden boat when it suddenly tilted, causing panic. Several occupants fell into the water while others clung to the boat or swam toward the shore.
Alert villagers and bystanders acted swiftly, assisting in the rescue using ropes and small country boats. Some passengers managed to return to safety on their own, while others were pulled from the water by locals.
An official from the district administration confirmed that the mishap occurred during routine river crossing and emphasized the need for caution while travelling across the Indravati, especially during the monsoon season when water levels rise suddenly and currents become unpredictable.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged boat operators and villagers to avoid overcrowding and to adopt basic safety precautions such as using life jackets and verifying boat stability.
While this incident ended without casualties, it has raised concerns over the lack of regulated transport and safety infrastructure at river ghats in remote regions like Lamtaput and Jaipur. Officials said awareness drives will be undertaken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
