Odisha Reports Over 7,700 Drowning Deaths Since 2020

Quick Summary

• Odisha has reported 7,798 drowning-related deaths as 2020,with a critically important number occurring on normal days rather than during floods.
• As of June 30, 2024, there were 990 recorded drowning deaths in the state. Experts suggest most were preventable.
• Recent incidents include:

– Two MBBS students from VIMSAR drowned at Deojharan waterfall in Sambalpur district.
– on August 15, two Class VIII students drowned in the Daya river near bhubaneswar, while another student died in a cuttack canal the previous day.

• Ex-gratia assistance for drowning deaths over the years:

– ₹4 lakh sanctioned for 1,589 cases in 2024 (up to June).
– For prior years: 2,196 deaths (2023), 2,119 (2022), and lower numbers from earlier years.

• A study by Utkal University and others highlights that globally drowning is responsible for roughly 320,000 annual deaths-7% of all accidental injury-related fatalities worldwide.
• Researchers emphasize the need for targeted public health strategies to mitigate this issue.
• Preventive measures like learning basic water survival skills are highlighted as effective solutions.

Indian Opinion Analysis

the alarming rise in drowning incidents across Odisha points to broader systemic gaps that must be addressed urgently. While natural disasters such as floods get considerable attention regarding loss of life prevention measures-evident from successful zero-casualty management-the high incidence of avoidable drowning during normal conditions demands a reevaluation of safety protocols and awareness efforts.The statewide data highlights vulnerabilities such as insufficient education around swimming or water safety and inadequate regulation at high-risk areas like rivers or waterfalls. The suggestion by researchers to implement extensive public health interventions resonates deeply; teaching basic floatation skills might offer affordable yet impactful protection against such fatalities.

Additionally, with resources already allocated toward ex-gratia assistance programs post-drowning incidents each year-a heavy fiscal commitment-prioritizing preventive education could reduce not only human loss but economic burden too. Structured intervention combining school-level training programs alongside tighter monitoring protocols at recreation spots might provide effective long-term solutions tailored to Odisha’s needs.

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