Ranchi, Aug 19: Jharkhand on Wednesday initiated the process of developing a statewide strategy to prevent drowning deaths, with health, tourism, forest and community-level stakeholders coming together for the first state-level consultation on the issue.The meeting was organised in Ranchi by the Jharkhand chapter of the National Health Mission (NHM) in collaboration with Child In Need Institute (CINI).
The initiative comes against the backdrop of thousands of drowning deaths reported in the state in recent years. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau’s Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India report showed 3,674 drowning deaths in Jharkhand between 2020 and 2024.Officials highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to identify high-risk locations and introduce preventive measures before accidents occur.
NHM Jharkhand official Shashi Prakash Jha said the available data demonstrated the seriousness of drowning as a public safety concern and underlined the need for joint action by various stakeholders.Forest, Environment and Climate Change Secretary Aboobacker Siddique called for improved safety arrangements at water bodies and tourism sites associated with forests.
The proposed measures include mapping accident-prone locations, installing warning signs, putting up barriers at dangerous points, creating designated safe areas and ensuring the availability of emergency and rescue equipment. Officials also stressed the need for additional precautions during the monsoon season.The consultation also emphasised greater participation from communities and frontline workers.
Health workers, tourism volunteers and grassroots-level personnel could play a role in spreading awareness, identifying risks and supporting preventive efforts.CINI’s Jharkhand state head Sujoy Roy said the consultation had resulted in a proposal to develop a Jharkhand State Action Framework for Drowning Prevention.
The proposed framework is expected to cover drowning hotspot mapping, safety interventions at vulnerable locations, community awareness, training, seasonal preparedness, improved monitoring and clearly defined responsibilities for government institutions.
Officials said the consultation represents the first coordinated attempt to bring multiple departments and community systems together to address drowning deaths in Jharkhand.The proposed framework, once developed and implemented, is expected to strengthen preventive measures around ponds, rivers, reservoirs, waterfalls and other water bodies across the state.
