Daijiworld Media Network - Sattari
Sattari, Aug 8: North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav has sought a detailed report from the Deputy Conservator of Forests following the drowning death of a Class 11 student at the Tonir-Kajredhat River and waterfall in Sattari, raising questions over safety arrangements and alleged non-compliance with earlier monsoon safety directions.
According to a report submitted by the Sattari Deputy Collector, 23 students and four teachers from Deep Vihar Higher Secondary School, Vasco, had travelled to the area in a private bus for trekking. A private lifeguard from outside the locality had also been hired to accompany the group to the Tonir-Kajredhat area.
The incident was reported around noon on Friday, following which the Valpoi Fire Station alerted the Taluka Disaster Management authorities. The Sattari Mamlatdar, along with the Talathi and Circle Inspector, reached the site at around 1.50 pm. Fire and Emergency Services personnel, police, Forest Department officials and a 108 ambulance were already present.
Fire personnel traced the student's body at around 3.10 pm.
The Deputy Collector's report stated that the waterfall falls under the jurisdiction of the Range Forest Officer, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Maloli, Sattari, rather than the general jurisdiction of the Goa Forest Department.
Meanwhile, Collector Yadav has sought a detailed factual report from the Forest Department on the safety measures in place at the site.
According to the Collector's letter, warning signboards had reportedly been installed by the Village Panchayat in the vicinity. However, there was allegedly no barricading, Forest Department staff or security personnel deployed at the site. There was also reportedly no warning signboard at the exact location where the student drowned. Some warning boards were allegedly removed by unidentified persons.
Yadav has asked the Forest Department to explain why personnel were not deployed at the site and what action was taken to comply with his July 29 order concerning monsoon safety measures.
The Collector has also sought details on steps taken regarding warning boards, barricading, regulation of public entry and monitoring of visitors at the site.
Meanwhile, Valpoi Police have registered a negligence case against four teachers and two tour operators in connection with the student's drowning. Police alleged that the students had been taken into a wildlife area without proper permission and were allowed to approach the waterfall despite the risks.