KV students drown in Paradip Sea during Swachh Bharat programme

Paradip: At least three students of Kendriya Vidayalaya in Paradip drowned in sea today during a cleaning programme on the beach here. The programme was initiated to mark the Swachh Bharat Diwas on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

As per latest information, two students have been rescued in critical condition while another is still missing till the latest reports came in.

Personnel of CISF, Fire Brigade as well as the local fishermen undertook the search operation to trace the missing student, however, during the rescue operation, six coast guard personnel had a narrow escape after their motor boat developed technical glitches and capsized in the sea.

Reportedly, students of several schools along with activists and volunteers of various organisations had congregated to celebrate Swachh Bharat programme organised by Pradip Municipality on the beach this morning.

The incident took place during a meeting organised at the Beach Festival Mandap when the three students went deep into the sea while playing near the waters. Eye witnesses spotted the students crying for help and immediately informed the life guards.

Meanwhile, the incident has triggered an outrage over the lack of safety precautions followed during the public event.

It is worthwhile mentioning that Paradip Sea has been marked unsafe for bathing and other activities as several cases of drowning incidents have claimed many lives in the past.