Katihar: An accident took place before Chhath Puja in Katihar, Bihar. Here a boat overturned near Keola Ghat of Manihari block. There are reports of death of many people in this accident, while eight farmers are reported missing. Some farmers in Kewala Ghat of Katihar were going in a boat on Sunday morning to do farming in Diara of Hatkola. During this time his boat suddenly overturned in the river.
Boat overturned in river Ganga
According to sources, there were 12 farmers on board the boat, out of which seven farmers are said to be missing. Apart from this, many people died in this accident. At the same time, as soon as information about the incident was received, the police SDRF team reached the spot. At present the search for the missing people is going on. However, the number of dead has not yet been disclosed by the administration.
Rescue operation after the accident
SDM is told that Neha Kumari and Lovely Kumari are missing on the boat. After the incident, all the officers including the SDO reached Diara near Hatkol near Kewala Ghat and rescue was started with the help of SDRF. After receiving information about the incident, Manihari MLA Manohar Prasad also reached the spot and demanded investigation. He said that the boat went out of control and overturned near Uttarwahini Kewala Ghat. Everyone was going for Parwal cultivation.
An accident also happened on Jitiya festival.
Earlier in September, an accident had taken place in Aurangabad district of Bihar. Here on Jitiya festival, 8 children died due to drowning in the pond in two separate incidents. Seven of the dead were girls, aged between 9 and 13 years.
Input- IANS
Interview between the Time.news Editor and an Expert on Boat Safety
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss a tragic incident that occurred recently in Katihar, Bihar, where a boat overturned near Keola Ghat just before Chhath Puja. To help us understand the implications and safety measures pertinent to such accidents, we have with us Dr. Ravi Kumar, a maritime safety expert. Dr. Kumar, thank you for being here.
Dr. Kumar: Thank you for having me. It’s an unfortunate situation that underscores the need for improved safety regulations on our waterways.
Editor: Absolutely. The incident has reportedly resulted in multiple casualties. Can you tell us more about the common causes behind such boat accidents, particularly in rural areas like Katihar?
Dr. Kumar: Certainly. Boat-related accidents can occur for various reasons, but in rural areas, we often see a combination of factors such as overcrowding, poor vessel maintenance, inadequate safety equipment, and sometimes even inexperienced operators. Before major festivals like Chhath Puja, there is typically a surge in the number of people traveling via boat, which can exacerbate these risks.
Editor: That makes sense. What specific measures could have been taken to prevent this tragedy?
Dr. Kumar: There are several key preventive measures:
- Regulating Capacity: Authorities need to enforce strict capacity limits to prevent overcrowding.
- Safety Equipment: Ensuring that boats are equipped with life jackets and signaling devices is crucial.
- Training and Licensing: Mandating training for boat operators can significantly reduce accidents by ensuring they are knowledgeable about safe navigation and emergency procedures.
- Improved Infrastructure: Investing in proper docking and launching facilities may also help reduce the risks associated with using small and often hazardous vessels.
Editor: These sound like sensible solutions. During major festivals like Chhath Puja, there is usually heightened activity on water bodies. What role do local authorities play in managing safety during such times?
Dr. Kumar: Local authorities have a significant responsibility. They should not only enforce safety regulations during festivals but also conduct awareness campaigns about safe boating practices. Establishing designated routes and safe zones for boat travel during peak times can help as well. Collaboration with local communities is vital to ensure these measures are effective.
Editor: Community involvement is indeed important. How can we encourage local communities to prioritize boating safety?
Dr. Kumar: Education and engagement are key. Organizing workshops and safety demonstrations can raise awareness. Promoting community-led initiatives, like appointing safety monitors at popular boating spots, can also foster a culture of safety. Encouraging locals to take pride in maintaining safety standards ultimately helps protect everyone involved.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kumar. It’s clear that while such accidents can happen unexpectedly, there is a lot that can be done to improve safety and prevent future tragedies. Our hearts go out to the families affected by the incident in Katihar, and we hope that lessons learned from this can lead to better practices in the future.
Dr. Kumar: Thank you for shedding light on this crucial issue. Hopefully, we can turn this tragedy into a catalyst for change.
Editor: Thank you once again for your insights today. We appreciate your time and expertise. To our viewers, stay safe and remember to prioritize safety during your festive celebrations.