2 friends drown while taking bath in Koel River in Odisha's Rourkela

In a tragic incident, two youths met their watery grave on Sunday while taking a bath in Koel River near Giripani village in Rourkela of Sundargarh district. The deceased were identified as Ashirbad Barik and Debendra Barik.

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According to sources, both individuals had gone missing, prompting a frantic search by locals and the fire services department. Unfortunately, they were later found unresponsive and were immediately taken to the Ispat General Hospital (IGH) in Rourkela. However, doctors at the health facility declared them ‘brought dead’.

The duo, along with a few more of their acquaintances, had gone to the river to take a bath at around 3.30-4.00 PM. They went deep into the river and could not return. Bodies of the two have been kept for post-mortem, scheduled tomorrow.

Primary causes of such incidents in Koel River

Drowning incidents in the Koel River, like many other rivers in Odisha, are often attributed to a combination of factors. These include strong currents, especially during the monsoon season; lack of awareness about water safety; inadequate swimming skills; and the presence of hidden underwater hazards.

Accidental slips and falls into the river, particularly in areas with steep banks, also contribute to drowning incidents. Furthermore, according to a 2017 SANDRP report, illegal sand mining can alter riverbed morphology and create unexpected deep spots, increasing the risk of drowning.

Safety measures can prevent drowning in river

Several safety measures can help prevent drowning incidents. Public awareness campaigns promoting water safety and swimming lessons are crucial, especially for children and adolescents. Installing warning signs near dangerous areas, deploying lifeguards during peak seasons, and encouraging the use of life jackets are also important.

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Community involvement in identifying and mitigating risks can play a significant role. Additionally, stricter enforcement of regulations against illegal sand mining activities, which can create unexpected hazards in the river, could improve safety.