A six-year-old boy with a disability was swept away by the current of a swollen open drain while playing in the rain on Tuesday evening in Bareilly district. Authorities have launched a large-scale search operation involving multiple teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
The Chenab Times has learned that the distressing incident occurred in the Khera locality of Aonla town. The child, identified as Preet, who had a disability affecting his right leg, was playing with other children on a rain-soaked street amidst heavy downpour when he accidentally slipped into an open side drain. The drain is connected to a larger municipal drainage system, and the strong current carried him away before residents could intervene to rescue him.
District Magistrate Avinash Singh confirmed that extensive search efforts are underway, with multiple teams actively involved in the operation. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed, alongside personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and local administrative officials. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate and the Circle Officer are personally supervising the rescue operations at the site, coordinating the deployment of resources and personnel.
Aonla Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sushil Kumar Mishra stated that the SDRF has pinpointed the likely search area and resumed operations on Wednesday morning. The rescue efforts are being bolstered by the PAC personnel and the cooperation of local authorities, who are providing essential support and ground intelligence.
Municipal Executive Officer Pradeep Giri informed that the municipal body has deployed two excavators and approximately 60 sanitation workers to assist in the search. He further indicated that the civic body is taking steps to address the immediate cause of the incident by planning to cover open drains to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This proactive measure aims to enhance public safety, particularly for children and vulnerable individuals, in areas prone to waterlogging during monsoon seasons.
In an effort to expedite the search and provide crucial information, the chairperson of the Aonla Municipal Council has announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for any information that leads to the location of the child. Officials are appealing to the public for any relevant details that could aid the ongoing search and rescue mission. The intensity of the rain and the swiftness with which the child was carried away have presented significant challenges to the rescue teams.
The incident has brought to the fore concerns regarding the safety of open drains in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Local residents have expressed apprehension about the potential risks posed by such uncovered drainage systems, calling for improved infrastructure and regular maintenance to prevent recurrence.
The search operation is ongoing, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to exhausting all possible avenues to locate the child. The weather conditions and the complexity of the drainage network continue to pose challenges for the rescue teams working tirelessly on the ground.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
