Drowning Disasters in India (GS Paper 3, Environment)
Introduction
- On July 25, 2024, World Drowning Prevention Day was observed globally, highlighting the urgent need to address drowning as a major public health issue.
- This global initiative, established by a UN General Assembly resolution in April 2021 and coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to raise awareness and accelerate action on drowning prevention.
- Drowning remains a significant concern in India, exacerbated by various socio-economic and environmental factors.
Understanding Drowning and Its Global Context
Definition:
- According to the WHO, drowning is defined as respiratory impairment resulting from submersion or immersion in liquid, leading to outcomes classified as death, morbidity, or no morbidity.
Global Statistics:
- Mortality: Drowning causes over 2.5 million deaths annually worldwide, with a significant proportion occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
- Regional Disparities: The WHO reports that over 90% of unintentional drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. The Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions experience the highest rates, with drowning death rates in the WHO Western Pacific Region being 27–32 times higher than in the UK or Germany.
WHO’s Role:
- Global Report on Drowning Prevention: The WHO’s 2014 report highlighted drowning as a major public health issue. The WHO Resolution WHA76.18 emphasizes multi-sectoral action to tackle this problem.
- 2024 Theme: The theme for World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 is "Anyone can drown, no one should," and the WHO slogan is "Seconds can save a life."
Drowning in India: Statistics and Factors
Statistics:
- Annual Deaths: Approximately 38,000 people die from drowning in India each year, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2022. This accounts for 9.1% of all accidental deaths in the country.
- State-wise Data: Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of drowning deaths (5,427), followed by Maharashtra (4,728) and Uttar Pradesh (3,007). This reflects a widespread issue across various states.
- Age and Gender: Children aged 1-14 are particularly vulnerable, with drowning being a leading cause of death in this age group.
Contributing Factors:
- Access to Water Bodies: Many people live near rivers, ponds, and wells without adequate safety measures. Accidental falls into water bodies alone accounted for 28,257 deaths in 2022.
- Flooding: Seasonal monsoon rains lead to flooding, exacerbated by poor drainage systems, increasing drowning risks.
- Cultural Perceptions: Some communities perceive drowning as inevitable, which hampers the implementation of safety measures and awareness campaigns.
- Economic Constraints: Poverty limits access to safety equipment, swimming lessons, and emergency services, particularly affecting low-income families in high-risk areas.
- Inadequate Safety Regulations: The lack of stringent safety regulations and enforcement, such as the absence of lifeguards at public water bodies, contributes to higher drowning rates.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
Installation of Barriers:
- Physical Barriers: Erecting barriers around water bodies, such as fences and secure covers, can prevent accidental access, especially for young children.
Safe Areas Away from Water:
- Designated Zones: Creating safe zones for children and adults away from water bodies, equipped with engaging activities, helps reduce the risk of drowning.
Training in Rescue Techniques:
- Community Programs: Educating individuals in rescue and resuscitation techniques, including CPR and mouth-to-mouth breathing, can save lives. Community training programs should be widely promoted.
Integration into Education Curriculums:
- School Programs: Incorporating water safety education into school curriculums ensures children learn preventive measures from an early age.
Enforcement of Boating Regulations:
- Regulations: Strict enforcement of boating regulations, including mandatory life jacket use and vessel maintenance, is essential to prevent water-related accidents.
Flood Risk Management:
- Infrastructure and Early Warnings: Developing flood-resistant infrastructure and early warning systems can significantly reduce drowning incidents during floods. Investment in such systems by local authorities is crucial for enhancing community resilience.
Conclusion
- Drowning is a preventable tragedy that requires urgent and comprehensive action. Addressing the socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to drowning in India involves a multifaceted approach.
- By implementing effective preventive measures, improving safety regulations, and enhancing community awareness, it is possible to significantly reduce drowning fatalities.
- Collaborative efforts from government bodies, NGOs, and local communities are essential in creating a safer environment, especially for vulnerable populations such as children.
- A concerted approach will help in effectively mitigating the risks and ensuring that no life is lost to drowning.
