Bhubaneswar, Mar 11: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed in the Assembly that a total of 2,064 people have lost their lives due to drowning in the state over the past three years.
Responding to a question raised by BJP Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra, CM Majhi shared the details in a written statement and revealed that Cuttack district recorded the highest number of drowning deaths with 252 cases followed by Mayurbhanj district with 251 cases.
Koraput (207 cases), Nabarangpur (102 cases), and Balasore (99 cases) are some of the districts with high drowning numbers.
To reduce drowning deaths, the state government is identifying high-risk areas and spreading awareness.
The government has also set up the Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI) in Ramchandi, Puri. This institute trains fire service personnel and home guards to handle drowning incidents. These trained responders are stationed along shorelines to prevent accidents and rescue people in emergencies.
