How Did Two Girls Drown in a Borewell in Satna?
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Synopsis
In a heart-wrenching incident in Hiloundha village, two young girls tragically drowned after falling into an uncovered borewell. This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding safety measures for abandoned borewells in rural areas. With families affected and authorities responding, the community grapples with the aftermath of this preventable tragedy.
Key Takeaways
- Two girls drowned in a borewell while playing in a waterlogged field.
- Rescue operations faced numerous challenges due to the location.
- Compensation for families is being processed by authorities.
- Concerns over abandoned borewells have been reignited in the community.
- Authorities must enforce safety regulations to prevent such incidents.
Bhopal, July 14 (NationPress) Tragically, two young girls drowned after accidentally falling into an abandoned borewell filled with rainwater in Hiloundha village, located in the Nagaud tehsil of Satna district. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Sunday when Somvati, aged 16, and her friend Durga, aged 12, who both hailed from Reura Kala Bhatwa, were helping their families with paddy plantation.
The girls wandered into a nearby field owned by Ramesh Mishra while playing, but due to the heavy rainfall earlier that day, the field became waterlogged, concealing the open borewell. Local residents believe that Durga slipped into the borewell first, prompting Somvati to attempt a rescue, leading to her own fall.
The borewell had been left uncovered after the casing was removed during a failed installation attempt. The rescue operation, led by SDM Jitendra Verma and supported by the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF), faced considerable obstacles due to the remote setting and muddy terrain. Somvati's body was recovered around 5 p.m. on Sunday with the help of local villagers, while Durga's body, which was trapped nearly 20 feet deep, was retrieved around 12:45 a.m. on Monday after extensive efforts and manual searching. The location was approximately 3.5 kilometers from the nearest village, accessible only via muddy tractor paths, complicating rescue logistics.
Both bodies were sent to Nagod Hospital for post-mortem examinations. On Sunday, the district public relations officer shared on the official X handle, “In a tragic incident near Hilondha village in Satna’s Nagaud tehsil, two young girls from the Chaudhary family fell into an uncovered borewell in an agricultural field. Their family had come for farming activities. While one child’s body has been recovered, efforts are still ongoing to locate the second girl.”
Authorities have begun the process for compensation under the Revenue Book Circular, providing an immediate Rs 5,000 to each family, with Rs 4 lakh per victim pending approval. This incident has reignited discussions regarding the safety of abandoned borewells in rural areas.
Despite previous orders from the district administration to secure such dangerous openings, the borewell remained uncovered, resulting in this tragic accident.
Point of View
We remain committed to covering stories that impact communities across the nation. The tragedy involving Somvati and Durga serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding abandoned borewells. It is crucial for authorities to enforce safety regulations and protect our children from preventable accidents like this one. We will continue to advocate for community safety and accountability.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the drowning of the girls?
The girls fell into an abandoned borewell that was filled with rainwater after wandering into a nearby field while playing.
Who led the rescue operation?
The rescue operation was led by SDM Jitendra Verma, with support from the State Disaster Emergency Response Force.
What measures are being taken for the families?
Authorities have initiated compensation processes for the families, providing immediate financial assistance and pending longer-term support.
What safety measures exist for abandoned borewells?
There are directives from the district administration to seal abandoned borewells, but enforcement of these measures has been inconsistent.
What are the community's concerns following this incident?
The community is worried about the safety of abandoned borewells and the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
