48 Hours Later: 10-Year-Old Visually Impaired Girl Who Fell In Drain Near Pirana Still Untraced

A 10-year-old visually impaired girl who fell into an open drain near the Pirana dumping site in Narol on October 10 remains missing after more than 48 hours of continuous search operations. Fire brigade teams have been unable to trace her, with heavy sludge, chemical-contaminated wastewater and a persistent flow of water complicating the rescue.

The incident occurred on the evening of October 10, when the girl fell into a drain approximately 35 feet deep along the main road. According to the Fire Department, the drain contained around 15 feet of water and nearly eight feet of sludge. Rescue personnel have been taking turns entering the drain wearing oxygen masks to search for her.

Water Flow Continues Despite Pumps Being Switched Off

Authorities have been switching off pumps to reduce the water entering the drain, but the flow has continued, making it difficult for rescue teams to inspect the pipeline. The main drainage line connects to a sewage treatment plant (STP), resulting in a substantial volume of water passing through it.

The Fire Department said chemically contaminated wastewater discharged by industries in Behrampura also flows through the line, adding to the challenges faced by rescuers.

To clear the obstruction, authorities deployed jetting and super sucker machines to remove accumulated sludge. Fire brigade personnel searched the drain again after the sludge was cleared, but the girl remained untraced.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) Drainage Department is now preparing to use CCTV-assisted desilting equipment to inspect the inside of the drain and identify possible locations where the girl may be trapped.

Search Extended to Sabarmati River

The drainage line leads towards the pumping station at Gyaspur and the point where the pipeline opens into the Sabarmati River. Fire brigade teams have inspected the pumping station and the pipeline outlet as part of the search.

Teams have also searched both banks of the Sabarmati over a stretch of around three to four kilometres, along with areas where water has accumulated. All connected drainage lines have reportedly been checked one by one, but the girl has not been found.

A Fire Department official said a person swept away by flowing water may emerge along the river’s course within one or two days. Search operations have therefore continued along both banks. Authorities have also alerted nearby villages, asking residents to inform the Fire Department if they receive any information about the girl.

Fears She May Be Trapped Inside the Pipeline

Rescue teams suspect the girl could be trapped in an intermediate section of the drainage pipeline. The planned CCTV-assisted inspection is expected to help determine whether she remains inside the pipeline or has been carried further downstream by the water.

With no trace of the girl after more than 48 hours, her family continues to wait anxiously. Persistent water flow, despite the pumps being switched off, remains a major obstacle as authorities work to inspect the drainage system and continue the search.