Six women farm labourers tragically drowned after their boat capsized in the Wainganga river near Ganpur village in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli on Tuesday. The women were en route to work in the chili fields in Kot village in Chandrapur’s Pombhurna tehsil. As of late evening, only two bodies had been recovered, and the search for the remaining four bodies had to be halted after sunset. The operation is set to resume on Wednesday.
Gadchiroli SP Neelotpal stated that police teams and volunteers conducted an extensive search for the missing bodies. In a miraculous twist of fate, another boat carrying eight women workers also capsized while crossing to Chandrapur. Fortunately, all occupants of that boat managed to survive. Normally, the two groups would traverse an exposed riverbed on regular days. However, the recent release of water from Chamorshi’s Chichdoh barrage caused the river to swell, leading to the tragic accident.
The news of this devastating event has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many in mourning and searching for answers. Local residents expressed their grief and shared their concerns regarding the safety of transportation for farm workers. One resident, Ramesh Deshmukh, said, It is a heart-wrenching incident. These women were the sole breadwinners for their families. The authorities should have taken adequate measures to prevent such accidents.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by farm workers who depend on the river for transportation. The lack of proper safeguards and infrastructure often leaves them vulnerable to tragic accidents like this. Immediate action is now expected from the authorities to improve safety measures and prevent any such incidents in the future.
As the search for the remaining bodies resumes, the tight-knit community remains united in grief, showing support and solidarity for the families affected by this horrific accident. The tragedy has shed light on the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of workers, particularly those in vulnerable sectors.
Efforts are being made to analyze the circumstances that led to the capsizing of the boats, and lessons will undoubtedly be learned from this devastating event. It is crucial that authorities conduct a thorough investigation to determine any lapses in safety protocols and take swift action to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The loss of six lives in this boat mishap serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by farm workers and the urgent need for improved safety measures. The devastating incident has left a void in the lives of the victims’ families and the community at large. As the investigation progresses, there is hope that justice will be served, ensuring that such heart-wrenching accidents become a thing of the past.
