What Actions Are Being Taken After a Minor Boy’s Death in Assam?
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident in Guwahati, a five-year-old boy lost his life after falling into an open drain. In response, Assam's Chief Minister has ordered satellite mapping of city drains to prevent future accidents. This story highlights urgent safety concerns in urban infrastructure and the need for civic accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent response required for civic safety.
- Accountability of authorities is essential.
- Infrastructure needs to prioritize pedestrian safety.
- Community engagement is vital during emergencies.
- Implementation of technology can enhance urban safety.
Guwahati, Sep 4 (NationPress) After the tragic death of a five-year-old boy, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed the state’s Chief Secretary to employ satellite imagery to locate open drains throughout urban regions, particularly those near construction sites.
Sarma emphasized that this action is crucial not only to implement preventive measures but also to tackle a concerning issue of stolen manhole covers at night, which poses serious safety risks for pedestrians and local residents.
The directive followed the unfortunate incident where young Sunit Kumar, a Class I student, fell into an open, under-construction drain close to Vivekananda School in the Kalapahar area of the city.
According to law enforcement, the incident took place around 3 p.m. on Wednesday while the boy was playing near the roadside. Despite urgent rescue efforts, his body was recovered only by 6 p.m. with assistance from the Guwahati Police. Medical professionals at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) declared him deceased upon arrival.
This incident has sparked widespread outrage regarding the negligence of civic authorities, who left hazardous drains open in a densely populated area.
Moreover, citizens have criticized the lack of urgency displayed by some locals during the rescue, claiming it may have delayed critical help.
On the same day, another incident occurred in Kahilipara, where an elderly man named Fuljeet Sharma suffered serious leg injuries after falling into a roadside drain under construction. This area, intended for pedestrian use, was found to be unsafe and inadequately protected, further exposing the risks associated with the city’s infrastructure projects.
The authorities revealed that Kumar’s body was returned to his family following a post-mortem at GMCH, and his final rites were conducted at Bhootnath crematorium on Wednesday evening.
The two incidents have heightened concerns over the deficient planning and oversight in Guwahati’s civic management. Sarma, expressing sorrow over the loss of the young boy's life, assured that accountability will be established and measures will be taken to prevent such oversights in the future.
Point of View
I firmly believe that infrastructure safety is a fundamental right. The recent tragedy in Guwahati underscores the urgent need for accountability and responsible civic management. Our cities must prioritize the safety of their residents, especially children, and embrace innovative solutions to prevent such incidents in the future. We must advocate for greater diligence in urban planning and infrastructure maintenance.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the boy's tragic death in Guwahati?
The boy fell into an open, under-construction drain while playing near the roadside, which was left uncovered by civic authorities.
What measures is the Assam government taking to prevent future incidents?
The Assam Chief Minister has ordered satellite mapping of open drains to identify hazards, particularly near construction sites.
What safety concerns have been raised by citizens?
Citizens have expressed outrage over the negligence of civic authorities in leaving dangerous drains exposed and criticized the lack of urgency in rescue efforts.
What happened to the boy's body after the incident?
The boy's body was recovered by the police and subsequently handed over to his family after a post-mortem examination.
Have there been other incidents related to open drains in Guwahati?
Yes, on the same day, an elderly man was seriously injured after falling into another roadside drain that was under construction.
