Bhubaneswar, July 10 (UDN): In a major public safety initiative, the Odisha government has launched a comprehensive statewide campaign to curb drowning deaths by introducing trained community lifeguards, mapping accident-prone water bodies, expanding swimming education, and strengthening safety infrastructure.
The decision comes after official figures revealed that nearly 9,000 people have died in drowning incidents across Odisha over the last five years, with children and young adults accounting for a significant share of the fatalities.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed all concerned departments to treat drowning prevention as a priority and implement coordinated measures across the state.
High-Risk Water Bodies to Be Mapped
As part of the new strategy, every district will identify and map rivers, canals, ponds, reservoirs, and other water bodies with a history of drowning incidents. These locations will be designated as drowning-prone black spots, allowing authorities to prioritise safety interventions and emergency preparedness.
Community Lifeguards in Every Gram Panchayat
To improve emergency response at the grassroots level, the government plans to train at least one to two community lifeguards in every Gram Panchayat. These trained volunteers will provide immediate assistance during water-related emergencies until professional rescue teams arrive.
Stronger Safety Infrastructure
The government will also upgrade safety measures at vulnerable locations by installing warning signboards, protective railings, barricades, and floating rescue buoys. Open wells across rural areas will be secured with protective covers or safety nets to prevent accidental falls.
Enhanced Safety Along Odisha's Coastline
Recognising the growing number of visitors to Odisha's beaches, authorities will create clearly marked safe bathing zones using ropes and buoys at popular coastal destinations. The state will also adopt proven safety practices from other Indian states and international models to improve protection for tourists and pilgrims.
Swimming to Become a Life Skill
The campaign places strong emphasis on swimming as a life-saving skill. Large-scale swimming training camps, awareness drives, and competitions will be organised for school students and young people in both rural and urban areas to build water safety awareness from an early age.
Rescue Training for Youth Organisations
Specialised training in water rescue, first aid, and emergency response will also be provided to members of the NCC, Civil Defence, and local youth organisations, creating a wider network of trained responders across the state.
Multi-Department Coordination
The anti-drowning mission will be implemented through close coordination among the Fire Services, Police, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Water Resources Department, Panchayati Raj institutions, and other government agencies.
The Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI) near Ramachandi will serve as the state's primary training centre, supporting skill development and implementation of rescue programmes.
Director General of Fire Services Dr. Sudhanshu Sadangi said the initiative reflects the Chief Minister's concern over recurring drowning tragedies and the need for stronger preventive action. Officials believe that sustained collaboration between government departments, local administrations, community organisations, and citizens can significantly reduce drowning fatalities.
With improved infrastructure, trained first responders, and greater public awareness, the Odisha government aims to achieve a substantial decline in drowning deaths in the years ahead.
