Harni Lake tragedy

In the Harni Lake tragedy that killed 14, including 12 children, the Gujarat High Court on July 12 suggested the state government deploy a water police force to curb incidents of drowning.

During the hearing, Advocate Prakash Jani, representing the VMC, presented the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) report to the court, revealing that in 2022 alone, over 2,000 people died due to drowning in various reservoirs, rivers, lakes, ponds, or seas in Gujarat.

Police also responsible for accidents

It was discussed that the respective corporations, panchayats, or municipalities should take necessary steps and measures to ensure public safety. Citizens should also adhere to warnings and instructions regarding the dangers of swimming or entering such reservoirs, rivers, or seas to prevent such untimely deaths. Public awareness is equally essential.

The government has assigned significant responsibility to police commissioners in the Water Side Safety Committee. Previously, corporations, panchayats, and municipalities were held accountable for such accidents, but now the police will also be responsible.

The government informed the high court that district magistrates will chair the Water Side Safety Committee in each district, while police commissioners will chair the committee in four major cities.

Considering the gravity of this issue, the high court suggested that the state government deploy water police in all reservoirs (rivers, lakes, etc.) to ensure public safety.

“If there is no water police, any regulations (SOPs) will not be followed. At Ganga Sangam, police are present, possessing all necessary information of even the boatmen operating there. Regular boat checks are conducted,” the court observed.

“At Narmada and riverbanks, priests suggest bathing during religious rituals, and such activities cannot be completely stopped,” said the HC.

School, contractor made a party in the case

The Gujarat High Court also added the contractor of Motnath Lake– Kotia Projects and Vadodara New Sunrise School as the parties in suo motu PIL.

A petition filed on behalf of the victims, demanded New Sunrise School and Kotia Projects be held responsible and required to provide adequate compensation to the victims. The Gujarat HC accepted the petitioner's plea.

Supporting the victims, the state government stated that New Sunrise School is equally responsible in this case. The education department is also considering taking over the management of the school. However, the court did not find this step appropriate and also instructed not to ban school trips, but emphasised the need to determine the school’s responsibility in such accidents.

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Harni boat tragedy: Gujarat HC expresses displeasure over inquiry committee’s report