HYDERABAD: Lakes and other water bodies in the city, are becoming death traps for citizens. In March alone, at least six persons have fallen in them accidentally and drowned. In addition to this, committing suicide by jumping into lakes has also been reported. Cops say that these incidents happen at the lakes as they are not protected and there is ease of access to the water bodies. Often when an incident is reported, cops inform the agency concerned on the safety measures, but nothing happens and the incidents are repeated.
With summer setting in and more enthusiasts going in for swimming, the number of accidents at the lakes can increase, the cops said. Meanwhile, experts opine that protection and safety measures at the lakes to prevent people from entering them during unfavourable conditions should be set up.
GHMC chief swimming coach Umesh G. opined that placing lifeguards and setting up of small rescue boats as safety measure can resolve the issue but may not be feasible. “People do not know the depth and the underwater conditions, which lead to accidental drowning incidents. Signboards indicating the precautions to be taken and the safe depth to swim, if set up at lakes, can minimise the accident cases and can save lives,” he said.
According to the police, in most of the cases the victims who drown in any lake do not know swimming. Despite this, they enter the lakes for fun, sometimes on their will, sometimes due to pressure from peers.
Committing suicides by jumping in the lakes is another concern. Being vast and easily accessible from all sides, the water bodies have become an easy option for those who wish to commit suicide.
Government agencies who are responsible for lake safety should set up protective fences and lim-it access to them, so that such incidents of accidental drowning or suicides can be prevented.
“Hussain Sagar lake, lakes at Saroornagar and Gandipet had seen numbers decreasing after fences were set up and surveillance was incr-eased. By identifying vulnerable lakes and by increasing vigil with coordinating, we can hope to reduce such incidents”, said a top cop.
Bengaluru model to be implemented
The GHMC, which is responsible for the safety and protection of lakes, is working together with the irrigation department for the necessary safety measures. They said that they are planning to implement the Bengaluru model, adapted for protection and restoration of lakes, through which 69 lakes were restored in Bengaluru in the recent past.
Lakes in GHMC limits will be modernised and will be protected with fences to prevent people from entering the water bodies. This, they believe, will reduce incidents of drowning and suicide.
Officials said as part of modernisation wor-ks, walking and cycling tracks will be laid around the lake for public use, while the water area will be fenced. The department had sent proposals for approval and government had sanctioned work for 20 lakes in the first phase and the work will begin very soon, while fencing around 50 lakes in different parts of the city at has already been completed.
In the Bengaluru model, the sewage flowing in the lakes was diverted first and then modernisation work was taken up.
The city lakes also face a similar problem with sewage. Amongst the 20 lakes in the first phase, sewage will also diverted and then the modernisation works will be taken up.
