An 18-year-old girl fell into a borewell in Kanderai village, Kachchh district of Gujarat, early Monday morning. Rescue operations involving the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Border Security Force (BSF) are currently underway.
Arun Sharma, Tehsildar of Kachchh, provided an update on the situation, stating:
“An 18-year-old girl fell into a borewell on Monday early morning…The Army, NDRF, and BSF team are present at the spot and the operation is underway to rescue the girl…we have provided oxygen to her…we are monitoring her movement…Rescue is underway….”
Efforts to Save the Girl
- Oxygen supply has been provided to ensure her safety.
- Rescue teams are monitoring her movements closely as they work to free her.
Recurring Borewell Incidents in India
This incident adds to the growing list of tragic accidents involving borewells:
- Recent Cases:
- In Rajasthan, a toddler fell into a 150-foot borewell and, despite a nine-day rescue effort, succumbed to her injuries.
- In December 2024, a 10-year-old boy in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna district lost his life after being rescued from a borewell.
- The Prince Borewell Case (2006): The rescue of six-year-old Prince Kumar Kashyap from a 55-foot borewell in Haryana gained national attention.
Supreme Court Guidelines to Prevent Such Accidents
Following the 2006 tragedy, the Supreme Court issued strict guidelines in 2009 and 2010 to prevent borewell-related incidents:
- Safety Measures During Construction:
- Barbed-wire fencing and steel plate covers fixed with bolts.
- Borewells must be filled from bottom to ground level if abandoned.
- Mandatory Reporting and Registration:
- Landowners must inform authorities 15 days before borewell construction.
- Registration of drilling agencies is compulsory.
Challenges in Enforcement
Despite these measures, incidents persist due to:
- Lack of enforcement of safety protocols.
- Insufficient awareness of guidelines among landowners and local authorities.
The current incident highlights the urgent need for stricter implementation of these guidelines to prevent further tragedies. The rescue operation in Gujarat continues, with the nation hoping for the safe recovery of the young girl.