CUTTACK: Worried over frequent drowning incidents in Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers, the district administration on Monday decided to take massive precautionary measures to prevent such cases.
After taking opinion from civil society, the administration decided to set up large hoardings at Gadagadia Ghat to display warning. The hoarding will be put up at four places which have virtually turned into a death trap due to existence of quicksand, said Collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra.
The administration has also planned for barricading and rope fencing at Gadagadia Ghat to prevent people from entering into the danger zone. Two volunteers will be kept at the spot to dissuade people from going inside the river. Besides, life saving jackets, motor tubes and ropes will be kept ready for instant rescue operation, Mishra said adding that megaphone facility is being planned to warn people during religious functions and festivals. Hoardings and signages will also be set up at two other vulnerable points near Chahata and Devi Gada. The administration will issue letters to universities, colleges and educational institutions in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to caution students from venturing into the two rivers, Mishra informed.