GLOBIVOX

Two students drowned to death in the Kuakhai River on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, triggering panic and grief in the area. The tragic incident reportedly occurred when the students entered the river for a swim, unaware of the strong undercurrent caused by recent water flow.

According to local sources, the youths were part of a small group visiting the riverbank when they suddenly slipped into deeper waters. On noticing that the students were struggling, locals rushed to the spot and attempted a rescue. Fire service personnel and police were later informed, and a search operation was launched to retrieve the bodies.

Both victims were pulled out of the river after considerable effort and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them dead. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by unguarded river stretches around the city. Police have registered a case of accidental death and urged the public, especially youngsters, to avoid entering rivers without safety measures.

Residents living near the Kuakhai River said the spot where the incident occurred is frequently visited by youngsters, especially during afternoons and holidays. Despite repeated warnings from elders, many people continue to enter the river, often unaware of the sudden drop in depth and strong water flow beneath the surface.

Local administration officials acknowledged that monitoring open river stretches on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar remains a challenge. They said discussions are underway to install cautionary signage and explore the possibility of deploying safety volunteers in vulnerable areas to reduce the risk of such tragedies.

Social organisations and student groups expressed grief over the incident and demanded immediate preventive measures. They urged authorities to fence off high-risk zones and conduct awareness drives in nearby schools and colleges about water safety and emergency response.

The tragic deaths have once again brought attention to the growing number of accidental drownings reported from water bodies across Odisha. Experts stress that simple steps such as public education, early warnings, and restricted access can save lives and prevent families from enduring irreversible loss.

Residents of nearby villages gathered along the riverbank as news of the drowning spread, creating a tense atmosphere at the site. Many locals blamed the lack of safety awareness and unrestricted access to the river for the recurring accidents in the area. Despite being close to the state capital, several stretches of the Kuakhai River remain unfenced and without warning signage.

Local administration officials visited the spot after the incident and assured that steps would be taken to review safety arrangements along vulnerable riverbanks. Authorities are considering installing caution boards and conducting awareness drives in educational institutions to warn students about the risks of swimming in open water bodies.

Community members also stressed the need for regular patrolling by civic and police teams, particularly during weekends and holidays when young people frequently visit the river. Social organisations have urged the government to treat river safety as a priority, especially in areas close to urban settlements.

As the city mourns the loss of two young lives, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the hidden dangers of natural water bodies and the importance of preventive measures to avert such tragedies in the future.