"We were studying at our home in the evening when we heard the screams. We immediately stepped out and jumped into the water. Since both of us know swimming, we managed to save some villagers," said Babita.
A mechanised boat ferrying passengers capsized in the Mahanadi river on Wednesday, apparently after losing balance. At least 10 people, including seven children, were killed in the incident.
State Women and Child Development Minister Prafulla Samal had also rewarded the six residents of Nipania village including the Giri sisters at Mahakalpada block of the district with a cheque of Rs 10,000 for their noble and timely action.
Collector Dasarathy Satpathy, who was present at the programme, said, "They wasted no time and dived into the rivulet and dragged ten persons out, mostly women and children. If not for their valour, the toll would have been higher." He added that the administration will recommended their names for "Jeevan Raksha Padak", a civilian lifesaving award instituted by the Union government.