The recent drowning of an 18-year-old youth in a farm pond in Junnar tehsil has intensified concerns regarding the safety of artificial water bodies in rural Pune. This tragic incident, along with the drowning of four children in similar circumstances last month, underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures around these ponds.
District agriculture officials have noted that the lack of protective measures, such as compound walls or nets around farm ponds, has led to these fatal accidents. Currently, there are approximately 25,000 farm ponds across 13 tehsils in Pune district. An official from the district agriculture office stated, “We have issued an advisory to farmers at the tehsil level to implement necessary safety measures to prevent further tragedies. The increasing number of ponds each year has heightened our concern.”
Farm ponds are crucial for providing protective irrigation, especially in rain shadow regions where natural water sources are scarce. These ponds, typically around 10 feet deep and lined with polythene sheets, pose a significant risk as children and animals often fail to escape once they fall in. The recent victims include Shradhha Kalu Navale (13), her sister Sayali (11), Deepak Madhe (7), and Radhika Kedari (14). All were children of farm workers who were away when the incidents occurred. The Pune rural police have highlighted the difficulties in escaping from these ponds due to the slippery polythene sheets. A senior police official suggested, “It is necessary to have at least a string attached to one or two ends of the pond as a safety measure. There is currently no provision for animals to exit these ponds.” The isolated location of these ponds further exacerbates the issue, as help often arrives too late.
A senior agriculture officer emphasised that the government has advised farmers to install safety nets around ponds, but compliance remains low. “Despite the government’s categorical advisory, many farmers do not adhere to the recommended safety measures, leading to a rise in drowning incidents,” the officer said. The increasing number of drowning incidents in farm ponds in rural Pune calls for immediate action. The government and district authorities must work closely with farmers to ensure the implementation of safety measures. Raising awareness and providing support for constructing protective barriers around ponds are essential steps in preventing further tragedies. The safety of children and animals in these rural areas depends on collective and sustained efforts to address this critical issue.
