60 deaths reported in Narmada Canal between Vaishnodevi and Koba in three years

Tragedy struck on Sunday when a doctor from Gandhinagar slipped and fell into Narmada Canal that has been reporting an increasing number of fatalities as he was performing a Gauri Vrat ritual for his six-year-old daughter.

Dr Nirav Brahmbhatt, unfortunately, is among the several lives lost in the canal with an increasing number of visitors during Gauri Vrat and Shravan.

Over the last three years, more than 22 people have died after slipping into the Narmada Canal’s stretch from Vaishnodevi to Koba. Since 2021, 60 people have drowned, with 22 of those deaths attributed to slipping accidents.

In 2024, two youths from Karai slipped and drowned in the canal. During the festival seasons in 2022 and 2023, an average of 10 people died annually due to slipping into the canal.

Recently, a car plunged into Narmada Canal near Gandhinagar where five were feared drowned, and three bodies were recovered. 

A retired officer of the Narmada Sardar Sarovar project said, “Approximately 43% of deaths in the canal occur due to people accidentally slipping. Despite warning signs being placed near bridges and other high-risk zones, it’s not feasible to install safety grills along the entire canal. Additionally, people are often unaware of the strong internal current in the canal, which adds to the danger.”

This deceptive appearance of calm water often tempts individuals to go closer. During the monsoon season, the banks of the canal become slippery due to water and moss, increasing the risk. Most victims are unfamiliar with the terrain and underestimate the slope of the canal.

The danger intensifies during the monsoon, as more and more people visit the area for religious rituals, attempting to go as close as possible to the water. The canal’s slope, although appearing gradual, becomes difficult to navigate, and once someone steps down even slightly, it becomes nearly impossible to maintain balance and return safely. 

The Narmada Main Canal has a full supply depth of 7.6 metres (25 feet) at its head reach. The canal’s bed width at the head is 73.1 metres.